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| Foals: Holy Fire EP (11 February 2013) 8/10 |
http://www.youtube.com/user/wearefoals?feature=watch
We all know Foals as being that feel good indie pop/rock band with their first single being 'Hummer', which listening back to it now, you can notice the progression of their sound and style compared to their latest material.
Of course they have their laid back and more solemn tracks on all their albums, such as the well known 'Spanish Sahara' from 'Total Life Forever', which was used on an advert for Channel 4's 'Skins' and in 'Misfits'. Often, Foals' slower tracks tend to be quite lengthy but build up to a climax of the song with little catchy guitar phrases and bass lines, setting up real atmosphere, especially if you're listening to it more intimately through headphones on your own.
I really enjoy these type of songs as I get to listen to all the little riffs and licks of different instruments going on at once, on Holy Fire there is a song that lives up to this expectation of Foals' music, 'Late Night', their 3rd single from this album. At nearly 6 minutes long, it definitely builds up slowly to the climax with a simplistic opening, just piano and vulnerable sounding vocals from lead singer, Yannis Philippakis and then eventually bursting into the beautifully catchy chorus, all guns blazing.
But by far, my favourite part of this album has to be the explosion of funky bass lines, up tempo guitar riffs and pounding drum beats from songs like the first single from Holy Fire, 'Inhaler', as soon as the drums and catchy guitar riff get going, you can't help but nod your head with attitude. Also the track, 'Out Of The Woods', is one you have to listen to whilst walking down the road in the sun at least once (and if you have a chance to dance to it too!)
However, having listened to the album numerous times, one of my favourite songs (not just from this album) has to be 'My Number', as soon as I heard it I knew it'd be an anthem and would be put on at parties (and whenever I had the opportunity to jump around crazily to it!) I absolutely love the video for it too, just a simply feel good song with all the features for a good boogie with lyrics like "I feel alive" to make you feel even more carefree and happy!
Overall I was really pleased when hearing Foals were releasing a new album this year and even happier when listening to it and thinking "Ah yeah, thats Foals!". Although not every track is one you go wild over, the special few make up for it by being super fantastic in true Foals style!
Hannah Jolley
