IDLES are back with a bang, unleashing their high-octane energy on fans across Europe with a brand new track that's leaving everyone buzzing – 'Levitator' has taken to the live stages by storm! The Bristol-based punk sensations have been road-testing this explosive anthem at recent shows, including appearances at Primavera and Pinkpop, following its blistering debut in Mexico last month.
Frontman Joe Talbot's lyrics are as incendiary as ever, tackling personal liberation and social critique with unflinching honesty. Phrases like "All my shame turns to dust / All her beauty to be loved without lust" ignite the flames of rebellion, culminating in a scathing rebuke of "racist c***s". The song's stripped-back instrumentation is a masterclass in building tension, echoing the raw intensity of their debut album 'Brutalism' with its relentless thumping guitar riff.
This electrifying new single comes hot on the heels of their last full-length offering, 'Tangk', which dropped in 2024. Although there's been no official word since then, guitarist Mark Bowen spilled the beans to NME earlier this month – and it sounds like they're cooking up something massive. Bowen hailed their sixth album as a potential game-changer, hinting at a return to more fundamental creative processes. He confirmed that the project is underway, with a 2027 release date on the cards and a target completion time of "this year".
Bowen offered some fascinating insights into the collaborative nature of their songwriting process – it's a hands-on affair, with all five band members thrashing it out in the same room. He described it as a dynamic, if sometimes fiery, approach: "It's not always smooth sailing, but we thrive on those robust discussions and even arguments." Mark Bowen was also nominated for Best Song Musically and Lyrically at the 2026 Ivor Novello Awards for his work on Florence + The Machine's 'Everybody Scream'.
IDLES will bring 'Levitator' to life, along with other fan-favourites, when they take to the stage at London's Victoria Park on Sunday, August 23rd – don't miss them as part of the epic Deftones-headlined All Points East x Outbreak event! Other acts on the bill include Amyl & The Sniffers and Deafheaven. While we're still waiting for a release date for 'Levitator', its prominent inclusion in their live set suggests it'll be a key player in their forthcoming album.
But that's not all from the IDLES camp – Joe Talbot and his dad, Nigel, have been working on some impressive art together. Their exhibition, 'Musoleum – Remembrance of Remembering', is currently open at the Newport Museum and Art Gallery in South Wales until September – don't miss it!