A quick fire convo with one of the guardians of 21st century rock, talking all things Pizza Express to pet peeves.
4pm on a cool Saturday afternoon, Joe Talbot, lead singer of Bristol based post-punk band IDLES took to a small stage nestled within the shipping container complex of Between the Bridges. Unlike the usual wildly satirical and politically charged live performances IDLES fans are used to, Talbot instead went from manning the mic to controlling the CDJ controllers (DJ decks). After a couple hours of curated track selection, I managed to catch him for a quick chat on his way out, after a busy weekend just passed.
Straight off a headline set at End of the Road festival, Dorset, the night before, Talbot blessed an intimate crowd with an unusual curation, journeying from Joy Division to Jockstrap, Radiohead to Charli XCX. Had BRAT summer infiltrated the world of the alt-rockers and the post-punkers? It definitely seemed that way when, to my surprise, folks started chanting 'you wanna guess the colour of my underwear' in unison (average crowd age roughly 40 btw). It's true, the lore of Charli XCX had spread across all ages, but I'll save that for another article!
As we had quite a limited amount of time, I decided to keep it short, sweet and random. In light of the current football climate and off the back of the first ZG article, I of course needed to know;
'What premier league team do you support?'
JT: Fuck football. Every football player. Horrible
I guess with his anarchist attitude, this did not come as a surprise. Having just pigged out on a Pizza Express for lunch (the best pizza in my opinion, no argument), I was intrigued to know;
'What is your go to Pizza Express order'
JT: Erm, I'd have to say a Sloppy Giuseppe. Never disappoints
Can't say I have ever tried one but the name sounds enticing. With one more random question to go, I always find a good indicator of one's personality is their pet peeves;
'Joe, what is your biggest pet peeve'
JT: Probably when people drive right in the middle of the road (shakes his head in disapproval)
Now onto the topic of music, of course. February this year, the band released TANGK, a step in a different (maybe more mature) direction from previous album CRAWLER, featuring more quasi-ballads and twinkly piano than lashing guitar chords. It is a different style of IDLES than what most are used to, yet I think it is my favourite album of their collection. I therefore asked;
'Do you have a least favourite song on TANGK?'
JT: Nah, I ain't got one
Good answer for any artist I'd say!
'What is one thing you always take on tour with you?'
JT: The band
Incredibly helpful to have on tour obviously and a good time to mention the talent of all the band members, with a special appreciation of the eclectic guitarist Mark Bowen who is an absolute muse onstage. My final question before our time was up had to be Bristol based, the birthplace of IDLES. A city that has helped shape my music taste, inspiration and DJ career; various people, spaces and venues being the reason, I had to know:
'Most importantly, where is your favourite place to play or have played in Bristol?'
JT: Now that would be between the Louisiana and The Fleece, but I would probably have to say Louisiana. 100%
Two incredibly historic and integral spots to Bristol culture, I am not one bit surprised! Finishing with a firm handshake, that was unfortunately the end of our quick-fire question session to which I can now say, has inspired me to try a Sloppy Giuseppe and get a pint at the Louisiana. Next up on Joe's agenda is the IDLES UK tour coming this autumn, an exciting few months ahead for our Bristolian hedonists.
Until next time :)
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