I’ve always loved music videos. I remember being young and stocking up on blank VHS tapes (Google it, kids) and rushing home to record my favourite videos/songs off the music channels. These days, I resort to YouTube. I’m always navigating my way through recommended songs and I’ll check out artists recommended to me by friends. I don’t know how this happened, but only this past month or so did I find out about the band Foals. I stumbled upon the song “Inhaler” and was hooked. Frontman Yannis Philippakis is not only sporting a sick baroque print hoodie, but also a Bee Gees-esque voice. From there, I dove into a discography dating back to 2006.
Foals originate from Oxford, England, which, really, is no surprise. That dark and echo-y voice made famous by artists like Bowie, Morrisey, and Ian Curtis is used throughout Foals’ music. What I really enjoy about this band is that each song is different from the last one you heard. Although you can fit Foals into the alt/indie/rock genre, listening to them for the first time is an experience full of subtle surprises. The music captures a wide variety of emotions, which not every rock band is able to do tastefully. When songs are made without the intention of becoming a hit, it just sounds better, doesn’t it?
Anyone who’s into new indie and old British pop-rock should definitely take some time to become familiar with Foals as I’m now kicking myself for not doing the same sooner. If you feel the need to see them live like I do, they’ll be playing Toronto’s Kool Haus on May 13th with Cage The Elephant. All albums are available digitally, but I’m going to highly suggest going to your local record store and picking one up… or all three. For tour dates and updates, make sure to check them out online and be sure to like Foals on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
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