IDLES x Magda Archer Brutalism: Illustrated Lyrics

A striking and thought-provoking collaboration between IDLES frontman Joe Talbot and artist Magda Archer, containing all the lyrics from IDLES’ first album Brutalism alongside provocative artwork by Archer.

Toxic masculinity. Class divisions. Mental health. Bristol-formed band IDLES started recording their first album, Brutalism, in 2015. In the two years that followed, frontman Joe Talbot’s mother passed away, resulting in a turbulent state of grief that would come to shape the verbally blazon and emotionally raw album that then appeared in 2017. In the five years since the release of Brutalism, Talbot’s words, in the context of the band’s music, have grown to represent a liberated show of vulnerability and an aggressive response to the societal ‘masculine’ ideal of silencing and withholding emotion.

IDLES’ first ever book marks a new and exciting form of creative collaboration for the band. Magda Archer’s artwork enters a joyful and liberating shouting match with Talbot’s lyrics breathing a different kind of life into fiery lyricism – an unexpected and bold conversation between two like-minded artists.

Format: Hardback
Pages: 128
Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publication date: 08/02/2024