Album Review

Foals – Total Life Forever

• 13th Sep 2010

After resounding performances at Reading and Leeds and a debut album that was received as well as a long lost child to a mothers arms, Foals have taken the indie scene by storm and have done something that true indie is all about and remained under the radar of the mainstream. This suits the feel of the band, who have their own ‘hideaway’ to be as creatively reckless as they want.

This album takes an already succulently good band to higher levels, it’s a wonder they’re not more widely known. The album breathes life into the corners of the room you’re listening to it in. Every track soothes your mood and relaxes your mind and is a slight departure from their first album’s vibe of energetic indie.

The first release from this album ‘Spanish Sahara’ has a warm and gentle vibe that is as soothing as a slow burning scented candle. However don’t be fooled, it builds to a beautiful crescendo of energy which will have you feeling euphoric.

The following track on the album ‘The Orient’ carries on that upbeat feeling that ‘Spanish Sahara’ gave you. With a dance inducing drum beat throughout, it’s my favourite intro on the album. To break the album up, track seven is a forty second interlude that is reminiscent of Death Cab For Cutie in its piano pangs. Yannis’ vocals are beautifully soft throughout the album and stresses points with precision when it’s needed, a truly versatile vocalist.

All in all this album is a contrast with its reserved, almost reclusive, softness and its ‘king of the world’ stirring attitude. Giving you everything you could want from an album, Foals are pushing through with their calculated music!