IN REVIEW: Foals - "Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost (Part 1)"

Foals' fifth album (or, rather, the first half of it) could have been a brash attempt at mainstream acceptance, a dulling of edges resulting from the unexpected success of 2015 single Mountain At My Gates and a bid at wider appeal. Credit is due because not only is their follow up a two-part album, it's a record that finds them continuing to evolve and explore rather than mining for gold.

Their balance between stadium-shaking rock and dark, dance-able pop remains intact here, and is best felt in lead single Exits and (especially) current single In Degrees (with honourable mention to the percussive and hypnotic Cafe D'Athens). They're no mere chart-seeking missiles, however, and the layers underneath these songs allow as much experimentation and off-kilter harmony as Foals wish to provide, the end results being songs that offer surface level satisfaction as well as deeper sonic roots for more attentive listening.

Elsewhere, Foals don't hold back on energy and volume; White Onions and On the Luna are particularly fiery, featuring noise and tension to spare. The first half's highlight has to be Syrups, which starts as a laid back, groove-laden slow burner that boils over into a double-time catharsis. It's a stunning ride, one indicative of the album as a whole half.

A varied, experimental and groovy set of songs, Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost has started off very strong; it's got the makings of Foals' finest work as long as Part 2 isn't a drastically worse effort. Moreover, we'll find out in September whether or not Foals have delivered a noble yet overstuffed album or a thrilling Album of the Year candidate.

March 8, 2019 • Warner
Highlights White Onions • Syrups • On the Luna