Idles on Being Multi-Grammy Nominees: ‘We’re Grateful to Be Here, But to Need Validation From Awards Would Be Toxic’

variety.com:

Jem Aswad Executive Editor, Music It may be surprising to learn that Idles, one of the most innovative rock bands to arise in years and an unlikely Grammy perennial, seem to have little background in rock music — at least frontman Joe Talbot. “My influences come from hip-hop, soul music, blues, garage, grime and jungle,” the 40-year-old Brit says, similar to many people from his generation. “I grew up in a weird middle-class city that was almost entirely white, but my friend’s older brother introduced me to hip-hop when I was 10 years old, and the rest is history.” While he discovered the music of Gang of Four and other postpunk acts that the group is commonly associated with while he was at university, it’s clear that even though Idles are a bruising two-guitar rock band, other influences elevate their sound.

Yet what’s most striking is the way the group’s aggressive music and politically leaning lyrics can be downright menacing, but balanced with a positivity, particularly at their explosive concerts, that would seem at odds with their sound if it didn’t somehow mesh with it so well.

Talbot speaks warmly and gratefully to the crowd between songs, and then the band roars into another song and the crowd invariably erupts into a fierce moshpit, often as not with one or more bandmember joining in (while still playing).

The performances are so powerful that Pete Townshend recently compared them to the Who’s classic concerts in the ’60s. The contrast becomes even more dramatic when Talbot (pictured above, far right) is asked about the inspiration for the group’s sixth album, which they’re scheduled to begin recording next month. “It’s always love,” he replies.