IDLES - Joy As An Act Of Resistance LP (Deluxe Edition)

Label: Partisan

180 Gram Vinyl. Interchangeable Album Artwork: 8 Double-Sided Inserts with 16 Original Art Prints from the Joy as an Act of Resistance Exhibition, all Housed in a Gold Glitter Die-Cut Gatefold Sleeve.

Idles' second album finds the band as vital as ever while simultaneously exploring darker and lighter hues; they have managed to follow up on Brutalism with a record that is not only more explosive but also doubles down on humor and genuine sentiment.

Clearly, they've been taking cues from their live shows -- which have increased exponentially since their debut -- as Joy as an Act of Resistance is just as chaotic but isn't quite as tight and often feels like it's bursting at the seams.

What remains irrefutable is the sense of urgency, delivered to such a degree that it casts shade on other bands who claim to be raucous.

Overall, Joy as an Act of Resistance manages to plumb new depths for Idles -- that they've achieved another record in such a short space of time is admirable, let alone one that shines head and shoulders over the majority of their peers -- and it certainly upholds their status as one of the U.K.'s most exciting new acts.