my.british.affair: DANCE WITH US.

Keep Your Head Up - Ben Howard

Such a heartmelt everytime I listen to him

A.D

The Bay - Metronomy

Always wanted one of their super cool illuminating t-shirts. Just don't think I could pull it off as well as these lads. Sigh.

A.D

Alt-J - Taro
Bloody excited to see these in August. This fourpiece sure are a clever lot.

A.D

X

Holy Hell Fire. The boys are back.

Me and Amy have been following Foals since we first heard Mathletics in 2007. At the time we'd not heard much like it. There was an instant connection, don't know why.. neither of us were massive fans of the prog rock scene. On reflection it could have been a huge number of things; they were different, I mean everyone was different, from Crystal Castles and their crazy electric screaming to mystery Jets and their illusive attributes and style. But these lads from Oxford were really different. The way they moved, their stage set up, their style and vocals. The best thing was you could dance your arse off to every track.

The first album Antidotes was played on repeat for a good year after it was released and me and Amy dragged our dancing feet to every gig of theirs we could, from our local second home New Slang in Kingston, to the huge Alexandra Palace on the other side of town.

Here we are waiting for Foals to start circa 2008. (wasted, sorry)

The point I'm trying to make is that this band really means something to us and I was so happy when I heard Holy Fire and discovered it was eveything I wanted it to be. From the enchanting and classic prog rock prelude through every single reverberating track. Yannis' vocals are absolutely incredible on this album and the lyrics so enrapturing and addictive. When the second track Inhaler starts, you just cannot keep still. Whether you are on the bus, train, platform or alone in your room, you won't be able to help yourself, that beat just gets you. Take my word for it.

But don't be fooled. Yes this album will make you want to shake a tale feather. but the lyrics are aslo incredibly sweet and romantic. You might be thinking "Really? Foals?" Yes, really... I cant help but feel whimsical and deep when I hear words like

Still small.
Small voice of calm.
It's the blame into my arms
and
With every time I see you I want to sail away.

I really think with this album the boys have come back with an attitude that says "We know what the fuck we're doing and who we want to be" AND I LOVE IT.

If you buy one album this month, this year, whatever. Make it this one.