Vital Idles, a quartet from Scotland, craft an edgy style of indie pop infused with poetic insights and understated wit. Their tracks, which echo the spirit of Rough Trade's initial artists, channel intense feelings via minimalist and abstract post-punk arrangements. Jessica Higgins, the lead vocalist, joins Nick Lynch and Matthew Walkerdine in operating Good Press, an art book shop and publisher located in Glasgow, while guitarist Ruari MacLean has prior experience with the noise-pop outfit Golden Grrrls and in Rose McDowall's ensemble. The group started performing live in 2015, issuing a pair of demo cassettes during that period. In 2016, they put out their first 7-inch single titled "My Sentiments." Edwin Stevens, known as Irma Vep, collaborated with MacLean to produce the band's initial album, Left Hand, issued via Upset the Rhythm during 2018.
