The Bristol punks IDLES had a bumper 2018 off the back of their much-loved second LP Joy as an Act of Resistance, tackling toxic masculinity and vulnerability with an honesty few expected. ‘Never Fight a Man with a Perm’ was one of the record’s most brutal takedowns, talking about the kind of guy you’ve almost definitely met before: “You look like a walking thyroid/You’re not a man you’re a gland/You’re one big neck with sausage hands”. Now singer Joe Talbot’s most revolting visual metaphors have been brought to the screen by the writing, directing and animating team of Al Brown, Russell Taysom and Stella Belle Hex.
The garish animation brings Talbot’s grievances to life, as a manic Popeye-sailor version of himself fights off an array of characters including a walking thyroid, affectionately called Timmy Thyroid. The whole thing becomes even more ludicrous when, spoiler alert, Talbot passionately kisses Timmy Thyroid.
IDLES were recently nominated for “Best Breakthrough Act” at the 2019 Brit Awards. They are currently touring the U.K. before heading to the States at the end of the month until the end of the year.
Watch fellow gear nerds IDLES put Aston’s Unbreakable Microphones to the test here. Want to get to know them? Check our chat with the band from last year.
