9/10

When Bristol-based punk outfit IDLES first emerged on the scene with their debut album 'Brutalism' last year, the buzz around took a little while to really settle in. Rather than rely on the press or social media to kick their career off, they left it all to the music, which over the last year has proven more relevant and engaging than we could have thought. So now looking to capitalise on their fast-growing audience, the band return with their second studio album 'Joy As An Act Of Resistance', a record that puts their politics and beliefs front and centre.

While 'Brutalism' made a great start in establishing who they were and what they were about, when placed against this new work we can see that those tracks were all about setup. Much like the pilot episode of a TV series, we now know exactly what to expect from them and they can now move forward with what they truly want to say. As a result, 'Joy As An Act Of Resistance' is glorious blend of high-octane punk-rock, filled with so much political and social angst it would make The Sleaford Mods appear mellowed out.

Managing to tap in to the social anxiety of Britain today is never an easy feat, but IDLES have been able to cut through it like a razor blade. We can see that the anger and frustration within them is what fuels their music and ambitions, delivering one raucous and intelligent single after another, this sophomore LP represents the combined feeling of abandonment for every millennial throughout the country.