Foals have grown steadily over the release of their two previous records, but third studio album Holy Fire shows definite progression with matured melodies and less cheesy riffs.
Jumping right into “Inhaler”, the album surprises Foals fans with a heavier sound and hints of a revolutionary change for the indie rock outfit.
The track erupts with angry, driven vocals accompanied by sophisticated guitar work, a combination that works remarkably well for a group who were known to lean towards pop-guitar riffs.
Any thoughts of a dramatic change of sound are soon withered with the lead into “My Number”, an exasperatingly catchy tune that dives straight back into the Total Life Forever days, with verses sounding profoundly like “This Orient”.
Tracks such as “Bad Habit” and “Out Of The Woods” also mirror older pop tracks, with an added hint of tribal drum beats.
There is a noticeable flare for the slow build in this record, particularly in songs like “Milk & Black Spiders” where there is the suggestion of trying to recreate the amazing slowburn of “Spanish Sahara”.
This is especially evident in the the final act of this track, where the repetitive lyrics and the climax of the guitar simulates the Total Life Forever cut to a tee.
The real mimic of this however is in “Late Night” – the silent introduction into the tune creeping ever louder and slowly building into profound atmospheric rhythms.
Lead singer Yannis Philippakis’ yearning vocals in this track compliment the heavy ascending chorus, leading into a displayed, riveting guitar solo.
The haunting and at times claustrophobic“Moon” concludes the record, and despite its depressing, bleak imagery the slow creeping tune is actually quite calm and beautiful. The music coordinates the themes of the lyrics, a fitting end to an honest album.
