In the last few days before the release of second album ‘Joy As An Act Of Resistance’, you could forgive Idles for taking it easy. Instead, the Bristol band have commissioned a pop-up art exhibition in Shoreditch, with a selection of pieces each inspired by a particular album track on the highly anticipated release.
Open from today (Thursday, 30th August) for two days, the original artwork (all of which has been curated by the band) is for sale at the exhibition with all proceedings going to Samaritans. Last night, many of the original artists were present for an exclusive sneak preview – including Joe’s father Nigel and Maccabees frontman Orlando Weeks.
Any worries that it is all a bit ‘arty’ are dismissed as canapés were served by Jon and Dev. When we say canapés, we actually mean cans of beer, Haribo and broken biscuits. The artwork itself adds up to a fascinating insight into the sentiments and thoughts behind what could very well turn out to be the album of the year.
Idles now hit the road for a series of in-store performances, before embarking on a world-tour in September. They return to the UK for dates in Bristol, London, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Brighton and Oxford in mid-October.
Words: Jamie MacMillan
