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Watch IDLES’ eerie new video for ‘When The Lights Come On’

The video for the third single from 'Crawler' takes fans on a scary and energetic late-night bike ride

By April Curtin

Joe Talbot (vocals), Mark Bowen (guitar), Lee Kiernan (guitar), Adam Devonshire (bass) and Jon Beavis (drums) of the band IDLES
IDLES (Picture: Tom Ham)

IDLES have just released the brand new video for ‘When The Lights Come On’, which sees the band heading in an eerie new direction.

It is the third single from the Bristol band’s fourth album ‘Crawler’, which was released just over a month ago.

‘Crawler’ has already been met with huge acclaim, with particular praise being reserved for the singles ‘The Beachland Ballroom’ and ‘Car Crash’. Produced by IDLES guitarist Mark Bowen alongside prolific hip-hop producer Kenny Beats, the album is the follow-up to their third album – 2020’s ‘Ultra Mono’.

‘When The Lights Come On’ is directly influenced by frontman and lyricist Joe Talbot’s experiences of DJing in Bristol clubs until the early hours, with the video directly influenced by the dark side of a night out.

The video was written and directed by Talbot alongside fellow bandmate Lee Kiernan. It also stars George Garrett of Bristol band Heavy Lungs.

Speaking about the track, Talbot said: “When the lights come on. Our third offering from Crawler. A poem of light and sound exploring the cold light of day. Thank you x”

IDLES spent nearly two weeks in isolation recording ‘Crawler’ in the middle of a Covid surge earlier this year.

The band will also embark on a sold-out UK tour in January, starting with four consecutive nights at O2 Brixton Academy. They are scheduled to play 14 shows across the nation before touring Europe, Australia and New Zealand.