OXFORD mega babes Foals have surprise released a brand new one-off cut this morning. The track titled 'Rain' is set to be released as a physical single for this year's Record Store Day. This will be put out alongside the band's version of Kevin Parker and Mark Ronson's 'Daffodils' collab. 'Rain' was recorded during Foals' 'What Went Down' sessions and features sparkling synths and lyrics from Yannis such as the repetition of "the city can't wait".
The sub-four minute cut feels like it would be more at home on Foals' third album 'Holy Fire' than their latest effort 'What Went Down' but we're digging it anyway.
BRIGHTON based four-piece Howland are the hottest new band to emerge from the South Coast and what an entrance they've made. With a Foals support slot at Scala in London already under their belts, the currently unsigned group are producing music that begs to be heard and other artists in the industry are taking notice too. Despite only having their current line-up for a few months, the indie-rockers have also supported Little Comets at The Joiners in Southampton back in the summer. Their sound exists in the same vein as The Libertines, Arctic Monkeys, The Cribs and The Strokes with a hazier feel at times but Howland are certainly forging a musical identity of their own.
Guitarist, Lee Vincent spoke to the Southern Daily Echo, saying: "It was only back in February that we watched Little Comets at The Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, so to be the main support at one of their sold out Reading Festival warm-up shows was really special."
Frontman Tyler Adams, who studies at BIMM Brighton, also spoke to the paper about the group's debut single titled 'Bruises'. The musician stated that: "The idea of that song came to me about four years ago, but it was only recently that it's become a fully-fledged number which we're all really pleased with." The band's name originates from a character from HBO fantasy drama Game of Thrones and they plan to extend their sound further afield to places such as: Bath, Bristol and Oxford in the near future. This is due to members of the band moving to various locations for University.
Give their track 'Bruises' a listen and if you like what you hear send some love their way. They plan to release another track in the new year titled 'Callout' so keep an ear out for that one too.
Foals' frontman Yannis Philippakis has spoken out in support of fans' safety at gigs. The singer has appealed to fans to ensure that gigs remain a safe environment for all to enjoy.
Philippakis recently tweeted about the behaviour of gig-goers at a recent Foals show. The musician said: "Be good to each other in the pits. No place for shady macho behaviour towards the sisters!"
He elaborated on this by speaking to DIY magazine, saying: "I think there was a girl - I'd read something - that was complaining about how she'd been treated in one of the moshpits."
"I used to love moshing, and there's an inherent aggression and violence to that type of thing that goes on at a show, particularly if it's like a circle-pit type thing. I think there's got to be some common sense."
Yannis also went on to say that: "But I have also seen, not necessarily at our own shows but just over the years, people can get sucked into those things when they really don't want to be, and I think that just having an element of compassion for people that are in the set and you can see if someone's not enjoying it or feels threatened or feels like they're getting hurt, then I think it's a small thing to say, just to say 'look our for whoever's there'.
The singer continued that: "There's an increasing awareness that maybe certain girls don't get treated like they should. There's some shady shit that goes on, and I don't like to hear about it sometimes."
Despite this, he added: "I don't want shows to be that thing where they [fans] don't feel like they can go mental. I think that the beauty of a live rock show is the crowd feeling like it can be ecstatic, and at times that's to do with moshing and that's to do with circle pits and that's to do with crowdsurfing."
"I'm all for that, but there just needs to be a balance between that and people just looking out for each other and not allowing jerk-off behaviour going on. There's a difference between a mosh-pit and just groping somebody. I think that goes without saying." Words Lauren Wade
Every now and then a band come along and blow up out of nowhere and continue to get better with every album release. Foals fit this description perfectly. The Oxford five-piece, who have just released their fourth album, brew with even more intensity on 'What Went Down' and if you thought it couldn't get better than 2013's 'Holy Fire', than oh boy, weren't you wrong.
The latest cut taken from their new release 'What Went Down' is reminiscent of 2010's 'Total Life Forever' thanks to tropical beats and frills that open up the 'classic Foals' track and gently ease in frontman Yannis' all encompassing vocals. The riffs are heady and this fresh cut is the epicentre of explosion on the record. It's one that will go down a treat at festivals next summer.
If the band aren't announced to headline at least one major festival such as Reading/Leeds or even Glastonbury... then it will come as a massive shock. Foals are more than ready to tackle the big headline slots, especially after slaying their Latitude headline slot in 2013.
There are many elements to Foals' epic sound that make them so remarkable. 'Night Swimmers' encapsulates just a fraction of that but it's a testament to Yannis and co, who pack each album they release with effortless charm and talent; they're just being themselves. They've worked hard to get to the top and now as one of the best live bands in the world, you would think that Foals would be able to relax a bit and enjoy the spotlight, but that's not who they are as a band.
Foals are a group who will continue to outdo themselves time and time again. We look forward to witnessing how their sound continues to progress with each new release that is to come. Foals have always been tipped for big things and they've always delivered.
Expect even more magic from them soon. Words Lauren Wade
THE much-loved Oxford five-piece, Foals are back with their fourth album 'What Went Down' that offers heavy rock riffs and sends this message to the competition: It's time to quit, it's been done.
The title-track is a snarling indicator of what's to come, 'What Went Down' is epically delicious and with lyrics in the vein of "When I see a man I see a lion" the track oozes with Queens of the Stone Age-esque vibes that are strewn throughout the record. 'Night Swimmers' echoes 2010's 'Total Life Forever' with incredible riffing that appear eager for festival crowds to unwrap, this particular track is the epicentre of explosion on the record and will go down a treat on the live shows the band have planned for later this year.
Continuing their policy of producing afro-indie beats, 'Albatross' is no exception with its dreamy textures and slight veer into an air of artistic gloom. This is just one of many tracks you'll have on repeat for the remainder of the year. Faintly reminiscent of Coldplay in places, 'Albatross' adds menace and mystique to the expansive and ambitious sound they have built up in remarkable fashion since 2008's 'Antidotes'. 'Mountain At My Gates' is another spectacular highlight from the album that contains a spine-tingling and pulsating finale.
Foals' entire career has been leading up to this moment. 'What Went Down' is a collection of tracks that energises and evokes something otherworldly from inside you. Foals are back and operating with more bite than before, the seductive quality of previous album 'Holy Fire' lingers and the energy never dips, even on their woozier numbers such as 'Birch Tree' and 'London Thunder'. If you're looking to be dazzled you've come to the right place.
One last thought - they're going to rule the world. Take our word for it. Words Lauren Wade
The third and final part of our annual festive album countdown covers the finest top five albums released in 2013. From Arctic Monkeys to Arcade Fire only the best have guaranteed themselves a slot at the top, so who made it? Read on to find out.
#5 - David Bowie 'The Next Day'
When news of 'The Next Day' arrived unexpectedly on Bowie's 66th Birthday back in January, we were all a little dubious to say the least. However, Bowie's first album in ten years is one with an abundance of naked emotion and intense melodies that casts any lingering doubts aside.
Reverting back to core Bowie mode on the 70s glam-rock inspired 'The Stars (Are Out Tonight) and elegantly urgent '(You Will) Set The World On Fire' - it's not hard to see why this impressive comeback album is as a vacuum of triumph and delights that you will unquestionably be sucked into.
'The Next Day' was released on 8th March and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.
#4 - Foals 'Holy Fire'
Oxford quintet Foals took a giant leap forward with 'Holy Fire' - an album that saw them go above and beyond in their quest to reign triumphant. Their third studio album impressed with evocative dark and brooding riffs and melodies that earned them a Mercury Prize nomination and their first festival headline slot at Latitude this summer
Stand-out tracks included the gloriously hooky 'My Number' a sucker-punch tune that sizzles with summer vibes and tipped them over the edge into the pit of success that ensued. Whilst, 'Inhaler' with it's intense, chugging nature serving as the perfect contrast to softer and more subtle tracks such as the gorgeous 'Milk & Black Soldiers'. The finishing touch is 'Providence' documenting the tenfold energy present at their gigs.
'Holy Fire' was released on 11th February and charted at #2 in the UK Albums Chart.
#3 - Haim 'Days Are Gone'
Haim time arrived and swept us all into a frenzy of excitement and chilled Californian vibes in the year that was 2013 - not once did the trio made up of sisters Este, Danielle and Alana fail to live up to the hype. They delivered a breezy debut thick with an avalanche of potential hits and eternal glittering promise.
The cascading drum machine on 'Falling' sets itself apart alongside 'Let Me Go' which is sealed with thick percussion, elements of their live show and a charm that dirties those that listen. Haim's debut was an album that made us want to round up our siblings and form a rock band. Take note; Haim are the future.
'Days Are Gone' was released on 30th September and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.
#2 - Arcade Fire 'Reflektor' On their fourth release, Montreal-based Arcade Fire decided to do things a little differently that resulted in 'Reflektor'. Evoking far too many heart-in-your-mouth moments to count, few expected 'Reflektor' to be the masterpiece that it undoubtedly is.
From a brilliant street art campaign, to enlisting the help of David Bowie for backing vocal duties, Arcade Fire were unstoppable throughout the latter half of 2013. Not even complaints from fans when required to don fancy dress in order to gain access to gigs could halt them.
Tracks such as the 70s-esque 'We Exist' and the experimental yet catchy 'You already Know' enabled the group to secure their claim as one of the decade's most important bands.
'Reflektor' was released on 28th October and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.
#1 - Arctic Monkeys 'AM' Dividing opinions has become something of a speciality for Sheffield four-piece Arctic Monkeys, however it was fifth release 'AM' that spawned an epic and mixed up the mood once again. The only distinction being that this time, all minds were made up that 'AM' is one of the (if not) greatest albums to have been released in 2013.
An album that sees them mix the darker, brooding moments of 2009's 'Humbug' with the autobiographical elements of their 2006 debut 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' and the soft love-stricken ballads of 2011's 'Suck It And See'. Maybe it's the LA-effect but we like it.
'AM' was released on 09th September and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.
Mix Foals with The Maccabees, adding in a drop of psychedelia for good measure and you get Apes & Horses - a distinctly unique four-piece from Paris. Managed by Warren Bramley, the man responsible for the magic of Manchester band Wu Lyf, the group are beginning to build an impressive record of achievements. 2012 saw them release their debut single 'The Fields' and bag a support slot for Graham Coxon. Now it's left to their debut EP 'Bleu Nuit' to send them soaring into success.
Opening number 'Seas' is a slow-burning treat on the ears that smoulders in a classy, minimalist set-up. Pillow-talk vocals caress and tickle leaving the hairs on your arms pointedly on edge. The circling riff that ushers in 'Minuit' furthers comparisons to Foals, yet the Parisians set themselves apart from the Oxford quintet by colouring their sound with faded melodies and beats that are laid slow throughout daring yet delightful instrumentation.
As the EP draws to a close, listeners are sucked into the murky world of 'Blue' with its reverby guitar and sad eeriness that combines to craft a mellowed tonic of a track; ideal for allowing listeners to gradually float back into reality, even if they do come over a tad too comparable to The XX at times.
It may still be early days for the French youngsters but XFM have already picked them up for radio airplay. As well as this, The Guardian's Paul Lester has previously mentioned them as a talent to watch out for. If they continue to formulate blissed out murky hazes - they're definitely on the right path and everybody will be soaking up their warming grooves before long.
With festival season in full swing and Glasto done and dusted for another year, Southwold's Henham Park is set to deliver their eighth year of folksy frolicking. Providing an alternative to the usual festival staples, the Suffolk site sees Bloc Party, Kraftwerk and Foals take to the stage, delivering headline sets that are not to be missed. Clashes in set times means festival goers will have to be selective, when choosing who to watch. Fear not, Rock Revolver's definitive guide to Latitude 2013 is here to assist you in making these decisions, whether you're heading down to the festival or watching from the comfort of your home - there really is something for everyone.
Commencing on the 19th July, the three day festival opens in style with Theme Park on the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage. The London five piece will throw into the mix anthemic, ethereal indie as they plough through hits from their self-titled debut album (released in February this year). Heading over to the Obelisk Arena, which is set on top of a hill overlooking the whole site, the criminally underrated I Am Kloot will be picking tracks from their vast back catalogue to perform. Despite being overlooked in the past due to their lack of mainstream commercial success, their set at this year's festival will diminish any doubt that still lingers.
Remaining in the Obelisk Arena on Saturday, crowds will witness Rock Revolver favourite Jessie Ware brew a soulful serenity and throwback 90s vibes, with tunes such as Running, 110% and Wildest Moments. Following Ware, New York's Yeah Yeah Yeahs are set to tear it up and thrill with new material. Whilst, BBC Radio 6 Music Stage will play host to North London's Daughter and their strikingly intimate and captivating live show, before Alt-J headline the same stage later on that night.
Taking it down a notch, the final day of the festival features a special afternoon performance from Bobby Womack - the critically acclaimed and one of the most influential soul singers of all time. Off the back of their recent album success, Disclosure bring their sound to the masses on Sunday night on the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage before Beach House deliver a headline set (on the same stage).
As with many festivals, the fun and festivities are not limited to just these two stages. Across the weekend you can catch other artists such as Temples, Chvrches, Stealing Sheep, Drenge, Friends, Hookworms and Wave Machines on the i Arena stage, which is nestled under a canopy of trees in the Latitude woods. If that's not your cup of tea, The Lake Stage showcases the talent of tomorrow in an atmospheric and shimmering setting. This year you can catch sets from Swim Deep, The 1975, Wolf Alice, Port Isla, Jagwar Ma and Coves. Plus, tucked away at the near the banks of the lake, be there to witness another Rock Revolver favourite Catfish and the Bottlemen on The Alcove Stage.
If you need a bit of a break from the music, there is still plenty to satisfy your appetite with throughout your stay at Latitude. If you're a Bowie fan you're in for a treat this weekend; be sure not to miss Bowiefest in association with the ICA presents Bowie 1973, bringing together a wealth of talent, talks, appearances and more from those closely related to the star. If your taste buds still crave Bowie, then be sure to check out Ultimate Bowie.
If poetry and spoken word is your thing, it's worth coming to the festival for this stage alone. The spoken word extravaganza features the current poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, local hero Luke Wright, stand-up poet Tim Clare and Peterborough-based spoken word double act Dead Poets. Finally, the Graduate fashion show presented by Bip Ling, Jamie Laing and Storm Models promises to be a veritable feast of fashion antics.
Hopefully, this will wet your appetite for Latitude 2013 and serve as a guide of what's worth checking out if you are made to choose. Likewise with most festivals, there are always those gems waiting to be discovered, so get out there and catch some new music (and old favourites).
When dream indie and post punk collide; the product is bound to be epically delicious. This is a sound we are treated to with Warrington four-piece The Anecdotes, who describe themselves by saying "If Foals, Peace, The Cure and The Strokes had a lovechild". Whilst this may seem arrogant at first, one listen to the band's latest EP Origami Waves proves they are able to crush that arrogance with rock growls and heady riffs. Opening number, Origami Waves
captures The Anecdotes’ trademark beach grunge noise, with hints of heaviness
thrown in for good measure. Lingering vocals are employed, along with smashing
drums that really hammer home how talented the band really is. Kaleidoscope, a
more subdued number infected with tasteful hooks and tumbling grooves, proves
just how far the group can stretch artistically.
Fell Into A Dream is also a
mellow number, with tender moments here and blissful chords there. It’s rare
that such an upbeat band is able to produce a headrush of calm and
sentimentality. Final number, Sepia Fields is drenched in beach grunge vibes
(once more) and shimmering exquisiteness. Deliberate or not, the group manage
to sound like The Maccabees and Bombay Bicycle Club, yet their psych tinge
seeps out and formulates this track into something better than we could have
hoped for, eliminating all other competition.From the EP, two things became apparent: If The Anecdotes' continue to craft music in this fashion, soon enough they will be basking in success. Secondly, this plush collection is enough to ensure a flock of keen fans will always be rooting for them.
Extracted from the Oxford band's critically acclaimed third album Holy Fire, Late Night is a slow burner which progresses majestically into a psychedelic wash of strutting soft rock and laid back vibes, complimenting frontman Yannis Phillipakis' sultry yet soothing vocals before breaking off into a textured instrumental, of bluesy elements combined with filthy guitar riffs and upbeat pop under layers. This is music that begs to be heard.
I heard this song on a video we watched in English class, and after a spot of background research I managed to find it. The lyrics are so sweet, you'll feel like a fly on the wall overhearing an intimate conversation.
For fans of: Sex Pistols, Pixies, The Velvet Underground, The Cure and Blondie.
Tame Impala - Feels Like We Only Go Backwards
I have been a fan of this band for a while, and I really like their psychedelic stylings. The video (below) for this song, from their new album Lonerism, continues the psychedelic theme and leaves you in a state of trippiness.
For fans of: Grimes, The Horrors, Django Django, Animal Collective and Melody's Echo Chamber.
Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
Who doesn't love a bit of Fleetwood Mac right? It's likely you will have heard this song before as it's iconic in it's own right; this is the Formula 1 theme song (and yes, I always play the air guitar).
For fans of: Haim, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and The Who.
Hurts - Miracle
I heard this song on The Jonathan Ross Show last week, admittedly I have never been very keen on the band but this definitely changed my mind. Good work Hurts.
For fans of: Snow Patrol, Arcade Fire, White Lies, Keane and Brandon Flowers.
Foals - Bad Habit
Foals released their third album entitled Holy Fire yesterday (February 11), and it is just as good as I had anticipated. This track, Bad Habit and Everytime are my overall favourites, both are expected to receive a fair amount of radio airplay shortly so watch this space!
For fans of: Friendly Fires, The Drums, The Big Pink, The Maccabees and Bombay Bicycle Club.
What an eventful week it's been with David Bowie's surprise comeback and announcement of new material, The Brit Awards nominations finally being revealed and Black Sabbath unveiling the name of their upcoming album. It really does look like 2013 is turning out to be an exciting year for music.
David Bowie - Where Are We Now?
As a longtime fan of David Bowie, I was delighted that on his 66th Birthday he decided to release a new single, and announce plans for his album "The Next Day" to be released in March. As 2012 was all about The Stone Roses, will 2013 be all about David Bowie? Time will only tell.
For fans of: Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, The Who and The Doors.
Arctic Monkeys - Fright Lined Dining Room
Yes, I know this is a B side but honestly I think that Arctic Monkeys' b sides are better than some of their actual single releases. This is definitely my favourite track by this band - give it a listen.
For fans of: The Strokes, The Vaccines, Queens Of The Stone Age, Oasis and Kasabian.
Biffy Clyro - Black Chandelier
With some songs it really does take a while before they start to grow on you, and this is the case with Biffy Clyro's latest track. I've been listening to it on the radio for ages, however it wasn't until last night when I saw the band perform on The Jonathan Ross Show that I appreciated it.
For fans of: Jimmy Eat World, White Lies, Feeder, Kaiser Chiefs and Twin Atlantic.
Foals - My Number
I have been a fan of Foals for many years and I am really excited for the release of their new album next month. Foals' first release from Holy Fire was a track called "Inhaler" and both of the aforementioned songs portray Foals as heading into a new musical direction. Things are looking promising for the band.
For fans of: Friendly Fires, The Drums, The Big Pink, The Maccabees and Delphic.
Ben Howard - Call Me Maybe (Cover)
I cannot stand the original version of this song, however I adore Ben Howard and he managed to rework this track into something beautiful. Just give it a listen and fall in love; you can thank me later.
For fans of: The Lumineers, The Velvet Underground, Bombay Bicycle Club, Noah And The Whale and Daughter.
This week I have been listening to some new releases, old music and of course drowned myself in The Smiths. Some things never change.
Foals - Inhaler
Already, I have heard two tracks from Foals' upcoming third album 'Holy Fire'. The first being this song 'Inhaler' and the other being 'My Number'. Both contain the standard Foals sound, making the tracks sound effortless but classic at the same time.
For fans of: The Drums, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Horrors and Bloc Party.
Blue Foundation - Eyes On Fire
I'll admit that yes, I heard this years ago on the Twilight soundtrack. However I had always regarded it as just an okay song. My opinion changed when this track was featured on the latest episode of The Vampire Diaries. I downloaded it and now I am hooked.
For fans of: The XX, Alt-J, The Maccabees, Breton and Bastille.
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
This song is everywhere at the moment - it's massive. I was browsing iTunes for something new, and I came across this song. Upon previewing I realised I'd heard this on the radio daily. Like me, you have probably heard this but remained unaware of the title. Give it a listen it's really good.
For fans of: Passion Pit, The Black Keys, Broken Bells, Young the Giant and The Wombats.
The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again
Yes, I feature The Smiths every week but they are one (of two) of my favourite bands and I can't resist. This song comes from the album 'The Queen Is Dead'. It was their third studio album and the most dramatic, of their back catalogue. It won't change your life but it's still bloody good.
For fans of: Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Joy Division, The Beatles and The Kinks.
Johnny Marr - The Messenger
By now you're probably aware of how much I love The Smiths, so it's only natural I adore Johnny Marr too. As you can imagine, I am so excited for his new album (also called The Messenger) to be released early next year. This is the lead track from the album and it's brilliant. Check it out.
For fans of: The Smiths, Morrissey, The Cure, The Stone Roses and David Bowie.
OXFORD mega babes Foals have surprise released a brand new one-off cut this morning. The track titled 'Rain' is set to be released as a physical single for this year's Record Store Day. This will be put out alongside the band's version of Kevin Parker and Mark Ronson's 'Daffodils' collab. 
