There is no denying it, Car Crash might be the best song Idles ever created.
Starting off strong with hardcore feedback, the song goes into a crazy frenzy as distorted synth, guitar bends and drums kick in. The song reminds me of acts such as The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers and Death Grips, making absolutely sure to be as loud and violent as possible. The theme of car crashes suits the instrumental side well, as the guitar bends sound like a car honking its horn.

Within the frenzy, the only stable element in the track is the rhythm section, containing a lack of hi-hats for the majority of the song and prioritizing the body of the kit. This omission along with the simple beat/effects added to the kit complement the instruments beautifully and could be said in the same vain of When The Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin. Before we have completely figured out the single, the song hits an awesome 180. Gracing the listener with a lovely arpeggio, we hear Talbot’s falsetto sing “I can hear my eyes vibrate” before *BOOM* going right back into the insanity.
We wanted it to be as violent as possible to reflect that event. We recorded the drums beforehand and put them on a vinyl acetate. Whenever you replay an acetate, because it is kind of like a liquid, it degrades every time.
Mark Bowen – Idles Guitarist
Much like industrial hip hop, but with a hardcore rock flare, Joe Talbot raps his grievances away with unrelenting fury, never compromising his vision at any – let me repeat – ANY moment. The character Talbot presents is boastful and megalomanic yet at the same time sad and self loathing. Perhaps this is to demonstrate the high of drug use and the low of nearly dying in a car crash.
It’s the horrific, comedown hangover – waking up in the morning and realising the smashes, like, what the f**k am I doing with my life?
Joe Talbot – Idles Frontman
Truly an amazing abrasive track from an amazing abrasive band. With the group on tour now having just appeared on Jimmy Kimmel, and their album out via Partisan, stay tuned for more info on Glasse Factory.