In a striking statement-of-intent, Foals’ current album ‘Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1’ pushed their ambition to new heights. Blending an unconventional two-part concept with an ever-widening sonic palette and lyrics which address a world in flux, it proves that Foals continue to evolve in unexpected ways. Debuting at #2 – their fifth consecutive Top 10 set – it’s undoubtedly an album of the year contender.
Now Foals extend the album’s burgeoning reputation with a double-shot of activity. The band are sharing the new single and emerging fan favourite ‘In Degrees’ to coincide with the news that they’re confirmed to play Radio 1’s Big Weekend on May 25th.
In keeping with the album’s unrestrained creativity, ‘In Degrees’ is an experimental exploration that maintains the band’s identity. With frenetic, clattering percussion and propulsive bass underpinning the band’s urgent energy, Foals channel LCD Soundsystem and New Order to create a fresh angle to their unique sound.
In contrast to the song’s euphoric vibe, frontman Yannis Philippakis’s lyrics imagine a dark, near future “where your ability to talk to each other has been reduced to nothing.” It’s a message that could be interpreted as both the personal fear of a failing relationship, or a widescreen Black Mirror-styled vision of a dystopian destiny.
The striking accompanying video is directed by Aaron Brown, who’s previous work includes ‘R U Mine’ by Arctic Monkeys and ‘Easy Easy’ by King Krule, commenting on the video Brown says; ‘’what excited me about the track was the dance feel that Foals were doing in contrast to the lyrics. They’ve always had some of that danceability in their music but this track is a no holds barred, make no mistake about it, post-punk, four on the floor, dance track. In contrast to the music though, is a solemn verse and brooding chorus.’’
Purveyors of deep funk,Purple Disco Machine, provide a standout remix of In Degrees that is available to stream now here.
Foals have been taking ‘Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1’ all over the globe since the album was released, covering intimate gigs in the UK alongside full-scale shows spanning USA, Canada and Latin America.
Last weekend, the band played an incendiary intimate show at The Great Escape festival in Brighton as part of Transgressive records’ 15th birthday.
UK headline shows with support from Yak and Kiev:
JUNE
11th – Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse (SOLD OUT)
12th – Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse (SOLD OUT)
14th – Tunbridge Wells, Bedgebury Pinetum
15th – Birmingham, Digbeth Arena (SOLD OUT)
16th – Birmingham, Digbeth Arena (SOLD OUT)
18th – Glasgow, SWG3 Yard (SOLD OUT)
20th – Thetford, Thetford Forest
21st – London, Alexandra Palace (SOLD OUT)
22nd – London, Alexandra Palace (SOLD OUT)
26th – Bournemouth, International Centre
UK festivals:
MAY
10th – Brighton, The Great Escape, Transgressive Records’ 15th Anniversary Spotlight Show
24th – Newcastle, This is Tomorrow
25th – Middlesbrough, Radio 1’s Big Weekend
JULY
25th – 28th – Y Not? Festival
26th – 28th – Truck Festival
AUGUST
11th – Boardmasters
