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Idles

Idles, stylised as IDLES, is a British post-punk band formed in Bristol in 2009.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Idles (stylised as IDLES) is a British post-punk band formed in Bristol in 2009. The current lineup consists of Joe Talbot, Adam Devonshire, Mark Bowen, Lee Kiernan, and Jon Beavis. The band is known for its politically charged lyrics and has released five studio albums, including Tangk in 2024.

History

Idles formed in Bristol in 2009 and developed a following through early releases and live performances. Their debut album Brutalism arrived in 2017, followed by a run of studio albums that expanded their profile in the UK and internationally.

Musical style

The band is generally classified as post-punk, with influences and descriptors including punk rock, post-hardcore, hardcore punk, and art rock. Their lyrics are often noted for social and political themes.

Discography

Idles have released five studio albums: Brutalism, Joy as an Act of Resistance, Ultra Mono, Crawler, and Tangk. Their 2024 album Tangk reached number one in the UK, becoming their second chart-topping album there.

Media work

Beyond studio albums, the band contributed the score to Darren Aronofsky’s 2025 feature film Caught Stealing. This marked a move into film scoring alongside their recording career.

Key facts

  • Idles are a British band from Bristol formed in 2009.
  • The band’s lineup has included Joe Talbot, Adam Devonshire, Mark Bowen, Lee Kiernan, and Jon Beavis.
  • Their music is commonly described as post-punk and related punk genres.
  • Their debut album, Brutalism, was released in 2017.
  • Tangk, released in 2024, became their second album to reach number one in the UK.
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Canadian context

Idles has toured internationally and has a Canadian audience through the wider North American punk and alternative rock scene.

Frequently asked questions

What is Idles?
Idles is a British post-punk band formed in Bristol in 2009.
Who are the members of Idles?
The band consists of Joe Talbot, Adam Devonshire, Mark Bowen, Lee Kiernan, and Jon Beavis.
What genre is Idles?
Idles are commonly described as post-punk, with related classifications including punk rock, post-hardcore, hardcore punk, and art rock.
What was Idles’ debut album?
Their debut studio album was Brutalism, released in 2017.
How many studio albums has Idles released?
Idles have released five studio albums.
Did Idles work on a film soundtrack?
Yes. In 2025, the band provided the score for Darren Aronofsky’s feature film Caught Stealing.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idles
    Supports: Formed in Bristol in 2009; lineup; genres; years active; studio albums; 2025 film score credit.
  2. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idles
    Supports: Band origin and formation in Bristol in 2009.
  3. Wikipedia — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idles_(banda)
    Supports: Album releases including Brutalism, Joy as an Act of Resistance, Ultra Mono, and Crawler.
  4. Wikipedia — https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idles
    Supports: Five-album discography including Tangk (2024).