THIS is a hard one to gauge after a first listen, as parts of Foals’ third album sound like remixed versions of Men At Work’s Land Down Under.
Not in a good way either.
There are two real highlights, the explosive Inhaler and Providence. The rest melts away into the background.
Samey it may be, but it’s far less irritating than their infuriatingly hip debut and it’s great to hear a band evolving in an age when far too many acts fade into nothingness after one hit album or simply churn out replicas.
While second album Total Life Forever felt like a complete work, sure of itself and focused, Holy Fire feels more tentative. At best a grower, at worst pretty forgettable.
Maybe all will become clear on the next album then...
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