ISBN IDLES x Magda Archer Brutalism book 128 pages

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 seven 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. Breathing a different kind of life into Talbot’s fiery lyricism – with expressive typography, hot-pink ink and Magda Archer’s unique artworks – it shows that a book can be a work of art in itself.

In this celebration and reinterpretation of the band’s first album, Magda Archer’s artwork enters a joyful and liberating shouting match with Talbot’s lyrics – an unexpected and bold conversation between two like-minded artists.

About the Author
Joe Talbot is the lead vocalist for British rock band, IDLES. Originally from Newport, Wales, Talbot moved to Bristol to study, where he formed the band in 2009 along with Adam Devonshire (bass), John Beavis (drums), Lee Kiernan and Mark Bowen (guitar). Magda Archer trained at Ravensbourne College of Art, Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art before embarking on a series of group exhibitions Her artwork has been exhibited in some of the UK's top galleries and used by top fashion houses Marc Jacobs and Comme des Garcons.