The band released their first album, Brutalism, in March 2017 to critical acclaim.
DIY gave it 4 stars, calling it "An exhilarating escape along frenzied rhythms and powerhouse rhythms with a ferocious commentary for guidance...as vital as it is volatile."
The Line of Best Fit website gave it 9/10, calling Idles "one of the most exciting British bands right now".
It received an 8/10 from PopMatters, with Ian King calling it "bracing, caustic, and relentless".
Uncut gave it a similarly positive review, calling it "A rare rock record with the rage, urgency, wit and shattering of complacency usually found in grime".
 
Talbot's mother died after a long illness while the band was working on the album and is pictured on the cover, along with a sculpture by Talbot and his father.