"We've always felt like outsiders in some way," admits Yannis Phillipakis, minutes after stepping off stage from their secret set at Reading. "Rightly or wrongly, we've always felt like, either we didn't belong in that world or that we were the underdogs."
Watch our video interview with Foals below
"I don't feel like we're accepted by the establishment," he goes on. "I still feel like we're looked at with a slight raised eyebrow...there's a lot of fossilised crusties in suits that determine a lot of the music industry. When we first came out, they thought we were only going to be around for one album, and thought that we were overhyped, that we'd go away and were a fly that could be swatted.
"I hope that we are still annoying some people out there."
Hence why it's so satisfying, when the underdog comes out on top. Their brief but brutal appearances at Reading and Leeds attracted a feral response, as their immaculate fourth album What Went Down battles it out with the sexed-up R&B of The Weeknd for the No.1 spot.
Still, they remain in a league of their own. With Reading and Leeds headline rumours in the mix for 2016, it seems now, more than ever, is their time. We sat down with Foals to discuss What Went Down, how they wanted to make a double album, their frustrations at the industry, what their know about their fans and of course, those headline rumours...
Watch our video interview with Foals below
Foals will be heading out on tour this November in support of their new album What Went Down. Check out the dates below and click here for tickets and more information.
5 November - Nottingham, Rock City
6 November - Liverpool Olympia, Olympia
7 November - Norwich, UEA
8 November - Cardiff, Uni Great Hall
10 November - Aberdeen, Music Hall
11 November - Newcastle, O2 Academy
13 November - Southampton, Guildhall
14 November - Margate, Dreamland 'By The Sea'
15 November - Bristol, Anson Rooms
16 November - Cambridge, Corn Exchange
You can also read our verdict on the innovative album here, an LP which the band promoted by hiding cassette tapes in various locations throughout Europe.
