Top tracks — play these first
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Mother — This track embodies the band's confrontational style, blending aggressive instrumentals with heartfelt messages about motherhood and vulnerability.
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Danny Nedelko — Celebrated for its anthemic chorus and themes of friendship and community, this song highlights Idles' commitment to inclusivity and solidarity.
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Samaritans — Challenging toxic masculinity head-on, this track serves as a vital commentary on gender norms, resonating strongly with audiences during live performances.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This live album captures Idles' raw energy and political fervor, making it a standout in contemporary punk.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous flow of high-energy tracks, with no significant breaks between songs, maintaining a relentless pace throughout.
- The performance showcases the band's dynamic range, alternating between aggressive anthems and more introspective moments without losing intensity.
- Several tracks incorporate audience interaction, enhancing the live experience and creating a sense of communal energy.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- raw energy of live performance
- cathartic release through anthems
- community sing-alongs with friends
- pulsating rhythms for adrenaline rush
- visceral intensity in every track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished studio recordings
- seek gentle, mellow vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2019, 'A Beautiful Thing: Idles Live at le Bataclan' captures Idles at a pivotal moment following their critically acclaimed sophomore album, 'Joy as an Act of Resistance.' The band was gaining traction in the post-punk revival scene, having established themselves as a voice for social issues and mental health awareness.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fontaines D.C.· Shame· Sleaford Mods
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Samaritans
A shift occurs when the narrative voice directly challenges traditional male stereotypes, emphasizing emotional openness instead of repression.
This departure from the expected masculine bravado showcases the band's willingness to engage with vulnerable themes, pushing against societal expectations.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Colossus 7:45
- 2 Never Fight a Man With a Perm 4:48
- 3 Mother 3:21
- 4 Faith in the City 2:59
- 5 I’m Scum 3:54
- 6 Danny Nedelko 4:30
- 7 Divide & Conquer 3:47
- 8 1049 Gotho 4:03
- 9 Samaritans 3:46
- 10 Television 3:23
Disc 2
- 1 Great 3:15
- 2 Love Song 4:23
- 3 White Privilege 5:04
- 4 Gram Rock 2:32
- 5 Benzocaine 4:20
- 6 Exeter 5:45
- 7 Cry to Me 3:03
- 8 Well Done 2:53
- 9 Rottweiler 10:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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