Idles are working on the new album

Idles are working on what could become “the most exciting album” of their career. Guitarist Mark Bowen revealed it during the red carpet of the Ivor Novello Awards 2026where he was nominated together with Florence Welch in the Best Song Musically and Lyrically category for the song ‘Everybody Scream’. Talking about 2024’s ‘Tangk’ sequel, Bowen explained that the band wants to return to a more direct and instinctive approach: “We’re getting back to basics… five members in a room playing and clashing on instruments.” The new Idles album should arrive in 2027.

Bowen then recounted his experience alongside Florence + The Machinedescribing it as one of the most important experiences of his musical life. “It was one of the greatest gifts I’ve received in music to work with someone with such incredible vision,” he said. The musician underlined how different the creative process with Florence was compared to the dynamics of Idles: “It’s the first time I’ve written music without it being thought of as my art. With my band there is always a sense of belonging and identity. Here, however, my task was to be the medium through which Florence’s genius and creative ideas passed.” Bowen defined working on the album ‘Everybody Scream’ as a “beautiful”, “emotional” and also “liberating” experience, ironically contrasting it with the creative chaos of Idles: “In my band, a big discussion usually ensues for hours, and in the end a song comes out. With Florence, however, everything is very clear: she knows exactly what she wants, and it’s just a matter of understanding how to achieve it musically.”