They may be a man down, but Foals have recalibrated and returned with a newfound creative synergy, culminating in something phenomenal and compelling, transcending us all. Veering off course and thankfully leaving behind their increasingly poppy sound, best represented on the dubiously cringe track ‘My Number’, the Oxford foursome have truly come into their own with Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1. This is the first instalment in their two-part self-produced project foretelling a bleak future, where anything is under threat of elimination.
With all the time in the world at their disposal and sparing no expense, Yannis et al. embarked on a journey exploring a new musical landscape, whilst simultaneously pulling together key elements that play throughout their back catalogue. Their quintessential math-rock miasma, characterised by the puckishly trigger-happy guitars and skittish beats, is omnipresent on this record, with some newly incorporated sprawling synths for added groove.
Yannis’ lyrical content propels this record beyond a mere collection of songs to something unequivocally experiential, immersing listeners in some dystopian projection. Leaving behind benign themes of love, the mature narration brings to light a more ominous storyline, highlighting the sorry state of affairs we have found ourselves in. He speaks to each and every individual at various points and taps into countless anxieties, ranging from personal neuroses through to grand-scale fears of extinction.
It is an objective observation, a cry for help if you will, and a call to arms. However, it is not all doom and gloom as there is a distinct underlying air of optimism flowing seamlessly through the ten tracks, culminating in the beautifully atmospheric combination of ‘Surf Pt. 1’, ‘Sunday’ and ‘I’m Done With The World (& It’s Done With Me)’. This impeccably executed record elicits feelings of teetering on the edge of oblivion, with the reassuring warm glow of a sunrise as you party at what you think could be the end of the world. Listen closely Foals fans, take heed of these warnings, for not all is lost yet - To be continued…
Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part 1 is released on 8 March 2019 via Warner Bros.
