IDLES
October 17, 2021 - 9:30 Club - DC
“IDLES are a band for old guys!“ Not a quote that I really want to start this off with, but one that made me laugh when it was said to me… mostly because well… the shoe fits (being an old guy). This was the third time I got to see IDLES play, but the first time I was not allowed to bring my camera in. [Insert generalized rant about venue photo policies and the proliferation of camera phones held above heads here.] Being the resourceful guy I sometimes am, I ran over to the local CVS an hour before showtime and purchased two disposable cameras hoping against hope that I would not need to use them, but glad to have a backup plan quite literally in my pockets.
Suffice it to say, I had to go with Plan B. My last minute finger crossing whilst on line for the show searching for anyone in either band milling around back who might be able throw a photo pass my way failed. The first time I tried this “hustle” it worked, so I will probably keep it up my sleeve in the future until I finally accept that the stars were simply aligned perfectly the first time. Anyway, after I grabbed the normal everyday disposable camera hanging on the rack, I noticed a slightly more flashy (although sans actual flash) version with a higher ISO of 800 (compared to the 400 in my hand) and decided that was my best bet. For those that care, they were fairly cheap Fujifilm Quicksnap Waterproof cameras with 27 exposures.
So the pictures… yeah it didn’t work out. I feel like I could have had a shot if the show wasn’t almost entirely lit in blue and pink lighting (the lighting colors of choice as of late, I have found). Thankfully, frontman Joe asked for the audience house light to be turned on a couple of times, and I took advantage of it both times. So at least I walked away with two photos that are VERY indicative of the late pandemic times we find ourselves in.
As for the actual show, it was amazing, as an IDLES show always is. The potshot about IDLES being a band for old guys?… well I agree… and I don’t. If you happen to be an old guy, let’s say mid to late 40s, raised on first generation punk and hardcore handed down by older siblings, friends and/or cousins (looking at you Terry) you could really do much worse, and probably not much better. Not sure I can put my finger on what exactly IDLES have brought to the table in the late 20-teens and early 2020s that just fits so perfectly for me, and I kind of don’t want to. I feel like IDLES, themselves, don’t want to be a band for just old guys, and their message literally screams this, but who am I to say? Make up your own mind, or don’t… just please let me know if you have an in for 9:30 Club photo pass next time.
