Whether you like this record or not, everyone can agree on one thing- it’s loud, straight forward and in-your-face. Ones enjoyment of the album largely depends on your tolerance to being bluntly hit over the head with a political message. For me it works here flawlessly, mostly because despite their simplicity, a lot of the points made on this project are delivered in a creative way. Case-and-point, the opener. It’s a fantastic anti-war anthem that smartly incorporates war-sounds into the vocals. Despite how obvious it might sound, Kill Them With Kindness gains much more meaning, when it’s shouted angrily over roaring guitars, I also really appreciate how the cover art references that track. My favorite moment on Ultra Mono has to be Reigns, I’m a sucker for every song that incorporates the saxophone, especially if it’s borderline deafening. A Hymn is a close second, it’s impressive that record this loud and fast-paced can incorporate a slow burner like this and not make it feel like it’s out of place. The guitars create a wall of sound in the background, while Joe delivers an absolutely moving performance, sounding more vulnerable and desperate than at any moment on the album. Basically every track here is a highlight, my only gripe with the project comes towards the very end. Danke isn’t a very well structured tune, more of an attempt to go as hard as possible and just slightly missing the mark. I really wish it would be stronger, A Hymn feels like it’s building up to something and the pay-off just isn’t that satisfying.
Despite IDLES not quite sticking the landing, Ultra Mono it’s still among the best albums I have heard this year and probably my favorite record in their discography. It’s one of the most hard-hitting and satisfying listens I’ve had in a while.
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