Los Angeles – Now with four records under its belt, it seems Oxford indie rock band Foals is finally receiving the much-deserved attention it was always deserved. I was witness to this last Thursday night, at the Fox Theater in Pomona, California, when the band blew the roof off the historic venue with an intensely wild performance. The quintet – consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Yannis Philippakis, drummer and percussionist Jack Bevan, rhythm guitarist Jimmy Smith, bassist Walter Gervers, and keyboardist Edwin Congreave – graced fans with an electrifying nine song set, sampling tunes from all four of its LPs. It was clearly established that Foals has packed on more muscle and vigor to its pop sensibilities. Despite only showcasing three tracks off of What Went Down – the band’s most current release, which is coarser and perhaps grittier than previous efforts – the band’s entire live show progression was consistently propulsive. While California band Silversun Pickups was the headlining act and performed exceptionally well. Foals had second billing (Deap Vally opened) and was worth the price of admission themselves.

Things kicked off with “Snake Oil,” a track from the band’s last effort, What Went Down. It’s a pure rock endeavor with deep guitar riffs and a rough around the edges approach. Philippakis’ vocals are authoritative and resilient. All in all, it was a fitting opener to get the sold-out crowd ready for what was anticipated to be an unbelievable set. “Olympic Airways,” off the band’s first record, Antidotes, brought Foals back to the band’s dance-rock days. With tight guitars and melodious arrangements, “Olympic Airways” was simply amazing! Then suddenly, the band broke out “My Number,” one of Foals’ more popular singles. The crowd became even more energized by the infectious beats. This track is slick and mesmerizing. Those quick guitar riffs/changes are as luring as Philippakis’ vocals. This fan favorite was the true highlight of the band’s extensive set. “Spanish Sahara” is a slow building yet majestic seven-minute masterpiece. The hypnotic track left the crowd spellbound; it’s one of those tracks you become entirely lost within. Foals performed “Spanish Sahara” after the brazen, riotous spectacle of “Providence.” The transition was seamless and welcoming, verifying Foals is diverse in its artistic labors; one of the many reasons Foals is a “must-see live” act.

The latter half of the set included, “Red Socks Pugie,” another oldie off the band’s debut LP, offering feverish drums, a high-tempo configuration, and striking vocals. Newer fans in attendance rapidly recognized when Foals started up “Mountain At My Gates.” The crowd’s exhilaration elevated even more so with this one. The popular tune, regularly played on local L.A. station KROQ, is one of the standout tracks from What Went Down. The heart-wrenching melody and hook-driven composition are both emphasized with Philippakis’ soaring yelp, as well as the lively mix of guitar riffs and drumbeats. The outro packs an exceptional punch. During “Inhaler,” Philippakis crowd surfed, as he is notoriously known for. At one point, he got up on top of a pillar and keenly played his guitar. He is a wild and amusing frontman, to say the least.

The band ended things with the ferocious title track, “What Went Down.” It’s a brooding, dark, and menacing track, but it briefly lightens with beautiful guitars around the halfway mark. It is one of the band’s most aggressive songs and it was performed with passion. Some bands sound great in the studio but don’t transition well live, while others sound better live than in the studio. With Foals, you get the best of both worlds. Foals’ musical talents expand beyond the recorded material, capturing boldness and confidence, resulting in an enthralling live performance, that surely will not be forgotten by anyone who has the fortune to witness Foals’ magic.

Foals is currently on tour and will be playing several festivals this season, including Shaky Knees, Hangout Fest, Glastonbury, and Lollapalooza. Check out the band’s Facebook page for a complete list of tour dates.

Photo of Foals in Chicago by Sarah Hess for Best New Bands

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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