Foals' Antidotes Review

Foals are a new band from England. Their album is titled Antidotes, perhaps as a challenge to the rest of the music world. However, while they do innovate, they end up living up to their name. Their sound is not yet fully matured and it drifts without a central strength.

Foals are generally classified as math rock. A type of rock interested in complex melodies and precise orchestration of many different sounds. Its detractors usually assert that it does not have the emotion which music craves. The Foals avoid this particular downfall; they are moody and cover a spectrum of emotions. However, their anxiety is awkward and undirected, weakening the instrumentation to which it is attached.

It is a testament to Foals' skill that they are able to make a plethora of sounds flow naturally. The problem comes when you realize that your mind has drifted and you've forgotten you're listening to music. The dreamy instrumentation and repetitive lyrics might have something to say, but they're not saying it straight to us.

This is not to say that they have nothing to offer us. One of the best songs on the album, "Cassius," demonstrates excellent musical patterns and interesting vocal delivery. Perhaps borrowing from a fellow English band, "Cassius" features a vocal pacing similar to Radiohead's "Idioteque." A complete phrase is uttered, then it's shortened, becoming more urgent, "Cassius, it's over! You're second best! / It's over! You're second best! / Second best! / Second best! / Second best!"

While they might aspire to being the next Radiohead, Foals currently sound more like The Rapture without edginess. "Cassius" may be a well-composed song, but it does not offer a strong enough central focus for a great dance track, nor does it offer the profundity of Radiohead.

The album cannot be described as tranquil nor explosive; it is more like rippling water. Witness some of the other above-average songs on the album, such as "Balloons" and "Big Big Love." Foals have a unique subtlety to their sound which is all too easy to overlook due to the constant drone. The higher pitched guitar and synth jumps excitedly, but barely rises above the drone. The brass offers an opportunity for the band to really punctuate their songs, but it ends up being used too cautiously.

Music aficionados may jump on Antidotes' bandwagon because anything new is exciting to those who spend an extreme amount of time around music. Some more moderate music fans may also connect to the dreamy elements, which can graze the surface of a magical state. But as dance music or music for general appreciation, Foals still have some work to do to fully engage their audience.