Touted as the sound of 2008 by those we're told 'in the know', Foals certainly know how to make it hard for themselves, by leaving off their biggest hits 'Hummer' and 'Mathletics' from their debut. Not to mention ignoring David Sitek's version of their album. The guy who's not only in TV On The Radio but produced Yeah Yeah Yeahs debut, and is behind the blossoming Brooklyn scene (Battles, Yeasayer, Dirty Projectors). Foals then aren't afraid to be bold.
Unfortunately, if you didn't like the early singles there's nothing radically different here that'd change your mind. Yannis' yelping and the often too one-dimensional jittery indie-dance, is admittedly hit-and-miss. Aswell as the skin-tight rhythm section, horns have been added over some of the tracks to add a bit more depth. In truth though, it's repetitive and you'll likely grow pretty bored after repeated listens. Even with its ephemerality and irritating repetition, there are some good songs that should keep you dancing for awhile - the industrial drums half-way into 'Balloons' rescue it from just being another steadily 'frantic' song. The album actually impresses the most, and Foals begin to display some promise after 'Balloons'. 'Heavy Water' shifts the listener into a bolder, dreamier second half. 'Big Big Love (Fig 2)' is a lush, almost psychedelic strum with schizoid drums threatening to break the peace. But no, the song flows deftly into 'Like Swimming' a totally instrumental track that's actually quite pleasing on the ears.
All in all, if you enjoyed 'Hummer' or 'Mathletics' then you'll absolutely adore it, just don't think you'll be listening to this come next year.
0 comments:
Post a Comment