IDLES Open Recent Shows With Brutal New Song “Levitator”
Bristol punk band IDLES have begun previewing new music during their summer tour, opening recent shows with a heavy unreleased track titled “Levitator.”
The song marks the first major sign of fresh material from the band since their 2024 album Tangk, aside from their score for Darren Aronofsky’s crime thriller Caught Stealing.
Mark Bowen Teased a Back-to-Basics Album
Last month, guitarist Mark Bowen said IDLES were already deep into writing what he described as their most exciting album yet.
He also suggested that the band’s sixth album may take a more stripped-down approach, with all five members working together in a room and building songs directly through live instrumentation.
Levitator Opens Recent IDLES Shows
Since launching their summer dates, IDLES have been using “Levitator” as the opening song.
The track begins with frontman Joe Talbot delivering calmer vocals over a simple, pounding guitar riff before the song builds into a far heavier and more aggressive climax.
Lyrically, the song appears to explore themes of release, shame, anger, beauty, violence and emotional transformation. Its raw energy has drawn comparisons to the more direct, furious sound of the band’s debut album Brutalism.
Song Played Across Festivals and Mexico Shows
IDLES first performed “Levitator” live at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico on May 27 and 28.
Since then, the band have played the track at several major festivals, including Northside in Denmark, Primavera, and Pinkpop.
There is currently no confirmed release date for the song, but it appears likely to remain part of the band’s live set.
IDLES Set for All Points East x Outbreak
IDLES are also expected to bring the song to London’s Victoria Park on Sunday, August 23, when they perform as part of Deftones’ headline day at All Points East x Outbreak.
The lineup also includes Amyl & The Sniffers, Deafheaven, and JPEGMAFIA.
New IDLES Album Expected in 2027
Speaking to NME at the Ivor Novello Awards, Bowen said IDLES hope to record the next album this year and release it in 2027.
He said the creative process has involved the full band working together, arguing through ideas and pushing each other. According to Bowen, that tension is part of what makes the music stronger.
Bowen was at the 2026 Ivors because he was nominated alongside Florence Welch for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for the title track of Florence + The Machine’s album Everybody Scream.
Joe Talbot Previously Teased a More Driven Album
Last summer, Joe Talbot also spoke about what fans could expect from IDLES after their major 2025 Bristol homecoming shows, which he described as feeling like the end of an era.
Talbot said the band had already recorded several songs and were shaping a more driven new album. He added that they planned to return to the record later in the year and finish it with Kenny Beats and Nigel Godrich involved again.
Joe Talbot and His Father Launch Art Exhibition
Since then, Talbot and his father Nigel have also launched an art exhibition titled Musoleum – Remembrance of Remembering.
The exhibition, open until September, features sculptures created by both of them and is being held at the Newport Museum and Art Gallery in South Wales.
IDLES’ unreleased song “Levitator” appears to signal a fierce new chapter for the band. With a stripped-back sound, intense live energy and a sixth album expected in 2027, the Bristol punks seem to be moving toward a rawer and more direct era while continuing to balance music, live performance and outside creative projects.
