IDLES – Iveagh Gardens – Live Review – 11-07-19
by Killian Laher

IDLES / Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever / the claque – Iveagh Gardens, Dublin

There are a LOT of concerts on in Ireland this summer, especially in Dublin where practically every open green space has had a band playing on it this summer. The Iveagh Gardens is no exception, but a line-up including IDLES, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever and Irish band the claque represented great value.

Those who arrived early were greeted by the claque, who played a knotty brand of rock, at times reminiscent of the Sundays. Fronted by chilled-out vocalist Kate Brady, songs like Hush and Stray aren’t the easiest to get your ears around, but were warmly received.

Next up were the super tight Australians Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever. Powering through their set, initially the sound seemed muddy. However, it helps if you have not one, not two but three guitarists on stage. Bellarine evoked the Go-Betweens, and by the time they reached Exclusive Grave they had overcome sound issues and had many in the crowd feverishly dancing. Rounding the set off with a scorching French Press, they promised a swift return.

Intensity levels rocketed for the arrival of IDLES. They opened with Colossus, starting at an almost painfully slow tempo, until the closing coda unleashed massive tension, causing many in the crowd to stage dive and chuck their beers in the air. Part rabble-rouser and part preacher, frontman Joe Talbot, implored the beer throwers to stop (they obeyed) and respect women, praising Ireland for repealing the 8th amendment. Skimpy short wearing Mark Bowen ran all over the stage for the hard-riffing Mother and Danny Nedelko. Arguably the climax of an exhilarating set was the stomping Divide and Conquer, with the crash and wallop of Samaritans equally impressive, while Love Song included snatches of the Cranberries’ Linger, U2’s Pride and Prince/Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2U. Even throwing Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer into Benzocaine didn’t ruin the atmosphere and they rounded off a storming set with an extended Rottweiler.

Bizarrely two female singers led the crowd in a chorus of Oró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile as the gleeful audience departed the venue. IDLES were deeply impressive, looks like the hype is justified.

Setlist

Colossus
Never Fight a Man With a Perm
Mother
Faith in the City
Danny Nedelko
Queens
1049 Gotho
Divide and Conquer
I’m Scum
Love Song (including “Linger” “Nothing Compares to You” and more)
Heel/Heal
Benzocaine
Samaritans
Television
Exeter
Rottweiler