Foals - 'Total Life Forever' (Warner) Released 10/05/10

That ‘difficult’ second album is perhaps the most over-used and under-appreciated (by musicians) phrases in music. But time and time again it proves such a fitting description – bands which took flight on their debut splutter down to earth at a rate of knots on their sophomore effort.

In fact the idea of a career-defining second album is almost unheard of such are the connotations. So what does all this mean? Quite simply it puts into perspective how spectacularly ambitious and exciting Foals second album ‘Total Life Forever’ is.

It is the antithesis of a ‘difficult’ album, despite being laced in uncomfortable beats and rhythms which would make even the most self-assured shy into a corner and look to the floor.

Album opener ‘Blue Blood’ is a gorgeous hollow masterpiece, with its chiming guitars and echoing vocals. What becomes immediately clear is that Yannis understands his lyrics (and his mind) so much better this time around. “Where I was born, where I belong,” is almost prophetic of what is to come.

From the bombast of ‘Total Life Forever’ to the 6 minute come-down of ‘After Glow’ you feel engrossed. The sharp funky beats (‘Black Gold’) combine with deeper, darker themes (‘Alabaster’) and give you a proper musical journey rather than 11 songs clumped together.

The centrepiece – ‘Spanish Sahara’ is truly Foals most accomplished song yet. Abstract beats run parallel to a rising tide of guitar. The vocals match the music every inch as Yannis gently, then assertively, repeats “I’m the fury in your head, I’m the fury in your bed, I’m the ghost in the back of your head,” to a shattering climax which leaves your head spinning off its axis.

Before the closing chords we have the wonderfully atmospheric ‘2 Trees’ and then the clincher ‘What Remains’ which tip-toes around before launching into heavy basslines and drums reminiscent of a medieval army which will shudder your speakers.

‘Total Life Forever’ is Foals at their most relaxed, in a comfort zone of brilliance. Their shy and introverted demeanour has born out a truly outstanding and unique piece of music. A career-defining second album? Don’t bet against it.