It's only a light hyperbole to say that Foals baptized fans in holy fire at their October 28 appearance at Brooklyn Bowl. As the first stop on the British rock band’s U.S. tour, Las Vegas received star treatment from these seasoned rockers, who put their musical wizardry on full display.
The Oxford, England trio started promptly at 9 p.m, seemingly shaking the venue's foundation ajar with Life Is Yours single “Wake Up.” The band’s latest LP may seem like a distant disco cousin to previous records, but listening to it live was a sonic treat, rife with fast fretwork, layered synths and bouncing dance beats.
Foals and its touring musicians made quick work of old and new favorites like “2 a.m.” and “My Number,” and the dance floor swiftly opened up for “On the Luna” and “2001.” Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost groove “In Degrees,” drew a sizable discotheque and felt less like a performance and more like an intimate jam sesh between Foals and its friends. Frontman Yannis Phillippakis brandished a percussion shaker for the bridge, leaving at least one fan completely spent after the song, declaring, “That was so stimulating.”
Philippakis isn’t the largest frontman, but what the singer lacks in physical size, he makes up for in lion-esque energy and a vocal register so powerful it can cause the hair on your arms to stand on end. “Spanish Sahara” truly stood out for these hair-raising moments, with Phillippakis' voice carrying the slow-burn track to a roaring finale. Each band member held a smile on their face, even through the riotous and cathartic cries of “Wash Off” and “Mountain at My Gates.” Without a doubt, these guys love to play their asses off. And play, they did.
Foals took all its musicality and put it into overdrive on “Inhaler,” which the band stretched out into a purebred rock and roll marathon. Philippakis brought the showmanship, climbing from the stage to the side bar and even into the bowling lanes — all while playing guitar. The energy felt tremendous during this performance, and reminded us why this band is still one of indie music’s best in class.
