Yesterday (11/02/13) Foals released their third studio album - Holy Fire and in honour of their release they played an in-store gig at Rough Trade in Shoreditch. This album was really important for them. There was so much buzz surrounding this record; some went as far as to proclaim it "album of the year" before they'd even heard it. And you know what? They are probably very very correct in saying so... Foals always manage to bring something completely fresh and new to the table on every record without losing "their sound". Sometimes bands - even those with years and years of practice - lack this important quality.
Anyway, before this becomes an album review, onto the main event. In order to get tickets to the gig, my friends and I had to get to Rough Trade when they opened at 8am and pick up the new album (with which they gave us a ticket/wristband to get into the gig later that night). Luckily I stayed at my good friend's house the night before so we got there quite swiftly. We arrived at 7:30am and there was already a substantial amount of people queued outside in the snow/freezing cold - needless to say, Foals have some very dedicated fans. They were only giving out 100 wristbands and so we were very lucky to get them.
The gig didn't start until 7pm so we came back later at about 6:30pm. Whilst we were all queued outside waiting for the gig to start we could see/hear them sound-checking inside and that definitely got me psyched up for the gig - no need for any support acts haha. As you can imagine, this was a very intimate gig. There were barely 100 people there, in front of the tiniest stage, where almost the entirety of backstage was visible and there were no barriers. However, as it was a promotion/in-store gig, they were only able to play a few songs, but man did they play them!!
They opened with the first song from their new record - "Prelude" and all I can say is MY GOODNESS!!!! What a freaking gem! I haven't seen/heard an opening that good in a very long time. Jack's drumming was actually dribble-worthy, he was just SO on point. Yannis could not have been more right in calling this album "swampy" and saying that it has "stinky bass" because heavens... Walter brought a new meaning to the term "slappin da bass". For a song with no words, this song spoke volumes. It definitely set the tone for the level of intensity that would continue throughout the set. (FUN FACT: in the studio recording of this song the sound of live bees buzzing is used at points, listen out for it).
Next they played the funkiest song on the disc "My Number". Walter was the stand-out in this performance. Coming in perfectly with his "oohs" and headbops and DAT BASS! well, enough said.. and of course Yannis had ridiculously powerful stage presence - he may be a small man but his presence is quite the opposite. After this track Yannis proceeded to tell us that they sadly only had a few more songs to play - back to reality :( - however I was smiling again soon enough. As they started playing the intro to "Providence" and Yannis sang "I know I cannot be true, I'm an animal just like you..." I actually couldn't control myself. Pretty soon enough I was jumping about with my arms flailing in the air. Once the dirty bass kicked in and Bevan got hold of the beat - just yes. All the guys in this song actually murdered it! Edwin handled business with his synths in the background, Jimmy's shredding was second to none, Walter of course killed the bass, Mr Bevan hammering on the drums and Yannis pretty much tearing his guitar to shreds. WHAT A PERFORMANCE!! Yannis was actually headbanging so much that his mic fell off the stand and a techy had to come and put it back on.
Penultimate song - their first single from the record - "Inhaler". This is what some would call their "take notice song", and take notice we did! As the song slowly builds, it's not a build that you simply hear but something that you feel as well. Our shouts got louder, our feet lifted higher and our bodies moved wilder as the song went further on. When Yannis took the huge scream "SPAAAAAAACCEEEEEEE!!" it literally demanded space as the crowd threw their heads back mimicking his scream. And I promise this is the last time but MR JACK BEVAN LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IS AN ACTUAL BEAST!!!!!!! The fills that he produced in this performance!!! Just bravo... what a drummer?!
And finally they proceeded to play "Spanish Sahara". Great way to end an already pretty perfect set! The mood of the crowd and the atmosphere of the venue completely shifted as the heaviness and raw intensity of the song settled on the crowd. The performance was so emotive that I found myself having to close my eyes at many-a-time throughout the song just so that I could take it all in. I have to give props to Edwin who carried the song with his synths and wave effects. Just all in all a very good way to end an exceptional set.
After the show there was a signing at the front of the store where we were able to chat to the band and have them sign a few things. It was great to actually get to know them a little and they were all really really lovely lads! The only thing stopping me from giving this night a 10/10 is that I wish they'd had time to play more songs and that the crowd had been a little more involved - other than that, it was pretty darn perfect.
Overall rating - 9/10
Here are some pictures from the night:
PS: Pick up the album now, it's out worldwide on an iTunes near you!!! ;)
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