Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Foals, Warner Music UK 2019.
When I reviewed part one of this album in April, I said that it was among the best releases I’d heard in many years.
Now, Foals have completed their musical statement by releasing the second part of the album and, if anything, my judgement has become more definite.
This is the best album of the year.
Part 1 was a striking ‘state of the world’ album where apocalyptic lyrical themes were equalled by the sheer impact of the music. Part 2 is a more strident statement – the guitars are heavier, but the vision is still one of scorched earth.
The two parts form one complete musical journey, but each can also be enjoyed on their own.
Foals meld a lot of disparate elements into their music to create an enthralling melting pot of sounds and while Part 2 simmers with pure visceral intensity, it still exudes the eclectic nature of their music exhibited in Part 1.
Their sound is big – the riffs and rhythms intense – but the overall feel is cinematic.
This is particularly noticeable in the instrumental tracks, Red Desert and Ikaria, while Wash Off combines manic world music grooves with a punk-like intensity.
Tracks like The Runner and Black Bull are aural assaults, with vehement rhythmic onslaughts and aggressive lyrics that pull no punches, while the in-your-face defiance veers into tenderly romantic territory with Into The Surf, before the album finishes with the 10-minute Neptune, which feels like a requiem.
This whole project took the band a year and a half to develop and the finished product is mightily impressive.
They started out with a big vision – to explore issues of vital importance – with a determination to not water that down by seeking easy solutions through less than satisfactory compromises.
They have achieved their goal. The members of Foals have produced a concept rock album for the current generation.
