What Genre Is IDLES? (2025)

So, you're diving into IDLES and wondering: what genre even are they? It's a common question. Their sound isn't easily boxed in.

The IDLES genre is more of a journey than a fixed label. Their music style has shifted and grown with each album. This evolution tells a fascinating story of artistic development.

This post will explore the IDLES music genre. We'll track their unique sound across their studio albums. We'll look at how their style has changed over time.

What Genre is IDLES?

To get a handle on the IDLES music style, we need to look at their core influences. Their sound is a powerful mix that has definitely evolved.

Post-punk

Post-punk is a major part of the IDLES sound. You can hear it in their angular guitar work and driving rhythms. This style often carries a sense of urgency and social commentary.

Many of their albums feature the intense, often cathartic energy typical of post-punk. It's a foundation they build upon and sometimes deconstruct.

Punk rock and hardcore

There's an undeniable punk rock spirit in IDLES. This comes through in their raw energy and confrontational lyrics. Some albums lean heavily into this directness.

Elements of hardcore punk also surface, especially in their more aggressive tracks. This brings a blistering intensity to their music. It's a core part of their sonic identity.

Noise rock and art rock

IDLES aren't afraid to experiment with sound. Elements of noise rock appear, with abrasive textures and challenging song structures. This adds another layer to their music.

Later albums, in particular, show an art rock sensibility. They explore more diverse sonic details and production. This willingness to push boundaries is key to understanding the IDLES genre.

IDLES Genre Evolution Across Albums

The best way to see the IDLES music style evolve is to explore their albums chronologically. Each record tells a part of their story and shows their musical growth.

Brutalism (2017)

IDLES' debut, Brutalism, hit with raw, urgent power. The music here is a fierce blend of punk and post-punk. It feels immediate and unfiltered.

The album captures a volatile energy. Many reviews noted its clever, articulate rock sound. It tackled themes like class, masculinity, and the political climate with unflinching honesty.

The production aimed for a live, unpolished feel. This set the stage for the band's reputation for intense performances. It's a foundational statement in the IDLES music genre journey.

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Joy as an Act of Resistance. (2018)

With Joy as an Act of Resistance., IDLES expanded their emotional and sonic palette. While still rooted in post-punk, the album felt more focused. It showcased a cathartic rage.

Lyrically, the album delved into themes of love, self-love, and community. It also addressed immigration and Brexit. The band described it as an attempt to be vulnerable.

This album was seen by many as a reinvention of punk rock for its time. It emphasized unity and empathy. This marked a significant step in the IDLES genre evolution.

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Ultra Mono (2020)

Ultra Mono presented a more direct and bludgeoning sound. The music featured heavy drums and scowling bass lines. It carried a sense of hysterical urgency.

The album continued to explore themes like class struggle and toxic masculinity. It also touched on the band's growing fame. Some critics noted a more straightforward rock approach here.

While some found it less nuanced, its raucous energy was undeniable. This album highlighted the aggressive side of the IDLES music style. It was a bold, if sometimes divisive, statement.

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CRAWLER (2021)

On CRAWLER, IDLES veered into darker, more experimental territory. Critics described it as a hardcore punk, noise rock, and post-punk record. It showed a band pushing their boundaries.

The album explored themes of trauma and recovery. This was partly inspired by singer Joe Talbot's past experiences. The sound was often intense and immersive.

This represented a significant evolution for the IDLES genre. It showcased their ability to blend raw power with more complex sonic textures. The band seemed to be looking inward as much as outward.

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TANGK (2024)

With TANGK, IDLES introduced a new dimension to their sound. The album was described as focusing on "love songs" and making people dance. It featured more diverse and swooning sonic details.

Working with producers like Nigel Godrich, the band explored new textures. This included tape loops and different uses of distortion and delay. Yet, reviewers noted they remained sonically visceral.

This album suggests a more compassionate and perhaps even approachable version of IDLES. However, their core punk spirit still shines through. It marks another interesting turn in the IDLES music style, showing growth and a willingness to embrace new feelings and sounds.

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FAQs about IDLES's genre

Q: What is the main IDLES genre?

A: IDLES primarily blend post-punk and punk rock. However, their music also incorporates elements of hardcore, noise rock, and art rock, evolving with each album.

Q: Has the IDLES music style changed over time?

A: Yes, significantly. While their core intensity remains, IDLES have moved from raw punk on Brutalism to more nuanced and even dance-oriented sounds on later albums like TANGK.

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Ultimately, the genre of IDLES is a dynamic and evolving thing. It's woven from powerful post-punk roots, raw punk energy, and a growing willingness to experiment.

Their music style is a testament to their artistic journey. Exploring their albums chronologically truly shows how the IDLES music genre has developed—a compelling story told through powerful sound.

What are your thoughts on the IDLES genre? Which album best defines their evolving sound for you?