Photo from IDLES’ Bandcamp page.
UK punk band IDLES just released their sophomore album Joy as an Act of Resistance. Two previous singles from the album, “Danny Nedelko” and “Samaritans” were featured as Daily Dose of Protest.
Those singles respectively dealt with immigration and toxic masculinity. The album’s fourth single, “Great” deals with the issue of Brexit and how it is motivated by xenophobia.
Lyrics such as “Blighty wants his country back” and “Burning bridges and closing doors” can also apply equally to the regressive policies of MAGA and any country that is struggling with anti-immigration stances.
The lyrics also point to the fact that “Change isn’t a crime” and points out that diversity not isolationism is what truly makes us great. It concludes with the unifying line “‘Cause we’re all in this together.”
The album as a whole is a vital reminder that punk rock is still a powerful force for good. Joy as an Act of Resistance is a socially conscious masterpiece which is much-needed in the times we’re living in.