Album Review: Foals - What Went Down

When did you discover Foals? When they were fragile and craving, circa Antidotes? Lost and emotional on Total Life Forever, or did Holy Fire's medicated highs keep the black dog at bay?

If none of the above, perhaps you're waiting for What Went Down, on which all those simmering, seething growls and insecurities get unleashed. The opening and title track is the inevitable cathartic release, an unstoppable inferno of emotion that will either recast your view of the band altogether or simply make you concerned as to what's wrong. Producer James Ford (Simian Mobile Disco) boldly thrusts it up front where it can't be shied away from instead of tucking it away at the end. If it doesn't totally scare off those who simply wanted another bouncy My Number, Snake Oil's screaming, intense glam-fuzz stomp (tipping the hat to Kasabian) at the midway point will finish the job properly while the slight Afrobeat-like familiarity of Albatross and the twinkly Birch Tree provide masterfully orchestrated balance so it's not all teardrops and counselling sessions.

Yannis Philippakis' vocals remain inimitable and glorious, often leaping from soulful falsetto to wrought devastation at the turn of a heel but — ye gods! — do his and Jimmy Smith's guitars occupy their instrumental roles almost as backing vocals in themselves. As A Knife In The Ocean closes, you feel wrecked, like after the most chaotic sex that has left several prized possessions in pieces on the floor. It's exactly what you didn't realise you needed Foals to deliver.