When I started doing article research, I watched many Foals interviews. What they hate being asked is what the group's name means. If you think about it, this is quite common for almost all the indie bands out there. But again, Foals aren't another common band.
In the beginning of '00s, the indie scene (especially in London) was crazy. Hot Hot Heat, The Klaxons, Does It Offend You, Yeah? to name a few artists, neon colours, irregular haircuts and guitars-many guitars. That was the period that I discovered Foals. A five-piece band, very simple compared to others, who released their debut album around this time.My head's screaming "Cassius is over!" and that was a proper representation of an era that as teenager, I was very jealous of. Antidotes was a record full of sharp lyrics about baffling relationships and very catchy melodies to dance to. Until today, Balloons remains one of my all time favourite Foals songs. Also, the stunning cover was designed by the artist Christopher Wright (aka Tinhead).
Two years later, there was a completely different version of the band. I don't know how or why but this was truly reflected in their second album . It was a combination of softer melodies and more emotional writing that led to some distinctive sound. The band made some solid steps forward and left everything else behind-it really felt like growing up . Furthermore, Total Life Forever was an album for my adult life too. The soundtrack of my university studies, the sleepless nights in the bars and the restless future that was coming through. Remember listening to Spanish Sahara in the early morning hours while I was walking back home. For some seconds, I felt invincible. And then, I passed out in the couch, which was a win-win situation.
On a more serious note, if Foals decided to go with some fuzzy guitars and lower vocals, the result would be extraordinary.
Holy Fire wasn't really my cup of tea. Probably I didn't pay much attention as I should have or I didn't want to. On 2013, I was working as intern in a local website in Athens and I didn't have time to focus on anything. Reviews, gigs, interviews to go- so much music, so little time.
What I remember is that we danced to My Number a lot. Like A LOT. Breaking up with someone was never that much fun. But in the end, I had the exact same feeling about this album too. It had potentials but I have neither the time nor the mood to listen to it; Nonetheless, Bad Habit and Late Night are insanely good tracks.
It may sound funny but Foals albums can be compared to the year's seasons. Started from the summer, moving to winter, going to summer again and then, here comes the fall. What Went Down brought my band back as the fall brings a new, bright start. They were more comfortable in their own skin and that was indicated in their songs. The disco riffs were still there but the sound was louder and wild. It was a refreshing balance between the two previous albums-or in different words, it identified what Foals really are as a band. Personally, I loved it. 2015 had been a very intense year and this raw, honest record came just on time. "And now I've come back down, I'm older" Philippakis singing in London Thunder and the world went on its right place. For a while, at least. To be completely honest, I hadn't listened to the Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Pt.1/Pt.2 albums on time. Meaning that the unofficial reunion with the band happened during the London lockdown- and I was very pleasantly surprised. The two-parts record consisted of great inner moments, funky tunes and fiery outbursts. Again, perfectly synched with the world circumstances, both albums summarised the world mood during a global pandemic-even if the band was completely unaware while recording. We shall consider the latest albums as the summer. Why? Because at this time, I was dreaming of holidays, outdoor concerts and being careless. These albums manage to share these feelings generously, even on their quiet parts.
Starting from the late '00s until today, Foals aren't afraid of taking risks. And that's what, in my opinion, makes a band great. It's very easy to play safe but it takes extra courage to break everything in pieces and start all over again. With some very good examples to speak of, I cant wait to see what they are bringing next. I'm sure that's not going to be boring.
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