Idles – Ultra Mono

Fanboy here but the record is the worst sounding one that I own. The MP3 sounds better

This pressing sounded fine, pretty good even. But in hindsight, this is the moment Idles really started to suck. No hate to the band or you if you enjoyed it, I just find the sound of this band getting pretty tired as they make more music I will probably just stick to the first two albums and the meat ep.

Wow, the sound of this album on vinyl helped redisxover this album again. Streaming will never come close to this. I am really happy with the level of detail that was put to this release. Sound is not only rich but punchy all over!

10.5/12
Idles are the epitome of aggressive alternative rock and punk rock. Post-punk is probably the most accurate genre, with a splash of hardcore. What I appreciate about them most is their lyrical content against toxic masculinity and addressing political and social problems. "War" is an anti-war protest song that mocks the onomatopoeic sounds of guns in a children's song fashion along with the concept of Sally playing in the sandbox and Johnny in the open fire. With this, it covers the toxic masculinity and gender roles of treating young boys as soldiers or firefighters and expecting them to be tough and belligerent. "Grounds" covers race and individualistic thinking. It encourages people to get together and unite as one and has lines like "black is beautiful".
"War", "Grounds", and "Mr. Motivator" are all bangers. I enjoyed every track but I'll have to listen to the others as much as I have the first three. Really, the whole album was a banger. It's aggressive, in your face, and anxiety-flaring. I'd love to dig deeper into the lyrics of each song and re-listen to each track. But, I get deranged and high-octane surf rock vibes like surfing through a lava river on the way to hell.
All in all, I very much enjoyed this album and it makes me want to listen more.

ALBUM ARTWORK: This is some great artwork. It's a boy being hit with a large pink ball, but it's an ultrarealistic painting, where the discoloration of the skin, veins, and deep clarity can be seen. I absolutely love the texture and grotesqueness of it. It's literally in your face and aggressive, just like the album. The shadows are very deep and engulf the picture, making the setting unclear. To see a boy hit with a bouncy ball feels like something on a trampoline or in a backyard in the sunlight. Being in a completely black room feels uncomfortable. Where is he? Why is it so dark? Why is he being pelted in the face? The interesting thing about his reaction is that it doesn't give context to the situation. He looks in pain and worn out, but even if you were having fun with friends, this exact moment would probably have a similar facial expression. So, it makes me wonder if he's playing around or something more sinister is happening here. Based on the industrial feel to the album, this could be a darker situation. But, the album can also be read as high energy, but more exhilarating than agitated. Well, the photo makes me think and it looks awesome.
Artwork review: 12/12

I bought this Deluxe version because I was concerned about the negative reviews of the Vortex version I also purchased. I've listened to both. I enjoy the power of both, but I will give this Deluxe version the win between the two. Just sounds more dynamic to my ears and setup. Amazing album, no matter how you listen to it!

Only for the working class Joe and co? Hmmm .

This record sounds fucking brilliant.
And as stated below, its actually in Stereo, unlike the vortex and rough trade yolk pressings.
Better than Joy as an act..., and nearly as good as Brutalism :)

I just compared 3 vinyl versions of the album. The clear vinyl "mono mix," the Rough Trade clear vinyl with black blob, and the deluxe edition (with the booklet). Both clear vinyl and Rough Trade variants are, in fact, mono mixes while the deluxe edition is the stereo mix. Someone also commented that the Vortex vinyl variant is in mono as well. I wonder if this was intentional?

That pure transparent approach might be a nice idea, but in fact its by far the worst packaging for vinyl thats possible.
Seamsplits on three sides due cheapest plastic rubbish material. Came totally magnetised, static crackling louder than the music.

This is NOT for listening, only for collectors and flippers...

What's that catalogue exactly? Is it worth the 10 Euro more?