The suggestively titled What Went Down, by English rockers Foals, comes in the wake of a massive touring cycle for their previous album, Holy Fire, and much needed downtime in the French countryside, where the band began concocting fresh music.
On their latest album, Foals have learned how to balance ferocity with strikingly mature themes, lead singer Yannis Philippakis' vocals oscillating between sweet melody and raw emotion. He has spoken of taken lyrical inspiration from Nick Cave, which is evidenced by some of the darker themes explored on the record. Foals employ staccato beats on the chilled out, contemplative "Birch Tree" and propulsive math rock sounds on the mesmerizing, loop heavy "Night Swimmers." "A Knife In The Ocean" is the album's strong yet atmospheric closer, on which hypnotic guitar tones wash over the listener as they sink into the track's many layers.
What Went Down shows Foals coming into their own and excelling at blending the styles they have explored over previous records to create a varied and textured offering that will add depth to their high-energy live shows.
(Warner)On their latest album, Foals have learned how to balance ferocity with strikingly mature themes, lead singer Yannis Philippakis' vocals oscillating between sweet melody and raw emotion. He has spoken of taken lyrical inspiration from Nick Cave, which is evidenced by some of the darker themes explored on the record. Foals employ staccato beats on the chilled out, contemplative "Birch Tree" and propulsive math rock sounds on the mesmerizing, loop heavy "Night Swimmers." "A Knife In The Ocean" is the album's strong yet atmospheric closer, on which hypnotic guitar tones wash over the listener as they sink into the track's many layers.
What Went Down shows Foals coming into their own and excelling at blending the styles they have explored over previous records to create a varied and textured offering that will add depth to their high-energy live shows.
