IDLES - Ultra Mono

On 'Ultra Mono', Idles yet again prove why they're one of the most important bands around and continue to prove the same thing Rage Against the Machine did back in the 90s: just because the music is angry, loud and intense, doesn't mean it can't represent progressive values. Anyways, I can go on for paragraphs and paragraphs about how much I love Joe Talbot and company but that's besides the point.

How this here new album is honestly not a deviation from business as usual for the band but that's not to say anything here is stale or overdone, as it's quite the opposite really. Everything from the instrumentation to the attitude throughout this project feels fresh, focused and exciting without ever trying to rewrite the bands overall sound and identity. I was honestly quite nervous that 'Joy as an Act of Resistance' was gonna be too tough of an act to follow, at least to the standard that it had set in stone, yet, while certainly not as good as their last two albums, it still brings a lot of great things to the table, and there's nothing here to really be disappointed about if you've been a fan of the band over the last few years. Well, I ain't disappointed anyways, that's for sure.