Foals ‘Holy Fire’

The English boys are back with their third album “Holy Fire” and it’s evident they’re seeking more than homeland success. If you’ve never heard of Foals, there’s a suitable reason. While the English rock band has a loyal following for close to 10 years now and consistent UK chart success, they’ve yet to reach commercial success or make a notable mark on the US charts…until now.

Unlike their previous albums –which are praiseworthy in their own rights –“Holy Fire” is a polished assortment of tracks. The ever-soothing vocals of Yannis Philippakis are reminiscent of fellow Brit band Coldplay’s Chris Martin but a bit grittier, which gives an authentic touch. The majestic and tribal drum lines of the confessional ballad “Out of the woods” and the funky electro dance-rock track “Everytime” are side by side in this diverse concoction of sound. There’s an obvious but tasteful influence of 80s bands like Talking Heads and U2 in the chiming, jingle-like guitar lines of “My Number” and the misty, echoed vocals of “Bad Habit”.

A true guitar band, Foals fills the album with math rock influenced guitar lines, calling for the comeback of the string instrument in music. The album’s lead single “Inhaler” is anthem-like with metal-like screams, metallic strings and the chant “I can’t get enough space!” “Inhaler” contrast great with “Moon”, the album’s closer. “Moon” could easily be a film soundtrack with its melodramatic vocals and dripping strings. Drummer Jack Bevan gives us schizo snares and splashes of cymbals in the up-tempo track “Providence”.

But the gem of the album is “Milk and Black Spiders”. Yannis’ falsetto over deep-rooted bass, staccato xylophone, harmonizing background vocals and rapid high chords creates an atmosphere of frankly epic proportions.

With U.S. touring dates set for the coming spring and summer, Foals’ “Holy Fire” will surely rake in a number of new fans. There’s always something to be revered about a band like Foals who appreciates instrumentation and possess the ability to create a new sound with hints of the great bands that preceded them.