Foals

A bit of background from me. I have never been a fan of the band. I felt they were pretty tedious so I was very surprised that I really liked their single This Orient. Very surprised in fact when I consider that from their previous work, I only really liked Balloons, Cassius was ok.... but that grained on me a little bit.

The 5 piece from Oxford released their second album Total Life Forever on the 10th May and after playing This Orient over and over again, I was eager to listen to the album. And I have not been disappointed. Don't get me wrong, this is a grower. This isn't an album that you will be able to listen to and take everything in on it's first listen. But after listening time and time again you start to see the album for what it is, one of sheer brilliance and beauty.

The band have definitely grown up, They're not the same band they were with Antidote. This album seems more refined, more polished and a more produced sound. Don't take that the wrong way however, It's not over produced. Everything comes through perfectly, Lyrics are soft yet powerful. As with their previous work, rhythm guitar is present throughout but it's more laid back, it's still an important part of their music but it's not overpowering which I thought it was at times previously.

That's about as technical I can get I'm afraid. I'm not a music journalist as I've said on many occasions but hey I try!

All I can say is that this is a new direction from the band and one I like immensely. Fans of the band will have to decide whether they want a new mature direction or if they want to stick to their previous work, which, to me was just trying far too hard.

For me, I know what I'll be choosing. Not only is this a great album..... So far it's one of the best releases of the year.

8/10

Stand out tracks:

Blue Blood
Black Gold
Spanish Sahara
This Orient
2 Trees

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Foals - Total Life Forever - What Remains