STADIUM gates don’t seem distant for Oxford indie rock outfit Foals, who, having firmly established themselves as one of the UK’s best bands, have matured into serious heavyweight contenders in the wake of their most recent release, What Went Down.
Last night’s raucous gig at the Hydro proved that they are predestined to grace the biggest of stages, with an epic, robust sound that even brings comparisons with the likes of Muse to mind.
On the second night of their 5 date UK and Ireland Arena tour, their imposing, impressive stage set up and visceral energy was met with rampant enthusiasm by the Glasgow crowd, with the gig at the cavernous venue on the banks of the Clyde having a festival feel about it as the pints flew.
Queens of the Stone Age-esque Snake Oil and follow up Olympic Airways proved strong, impeccable openers before a mesmeric My Number had everyone moving. Birch Tree and Give It All kept the momentum going before a spirited Mountain At My Gates, dedicated to “all those who have had obstacles in their path” saw the band gravitate to another level.
Personal highlight Providence served up a visual treat that saw the crowd bathed in what felt like ‘TRON’ lights while Spanish Sahara’s slow burn feel emphasised frontman Yannis Philippakis’s status as one the most accomplished, charismatic singers around.
A rousing Red Socks Pugie was followed up by Late Night and the druggy, hazy A Knife In The Ocean, a point of inflection that illustrates just how well the band what is undoubtedly their best weapon when playing live, their ability to change the tempo and offer real coherence to their 1 hour 30 min set.
A storming Inhaler before the band returned from the encore with London Thunder, before a storming What Went Down nearly tore the roof off, while Two Steps, Twice brought the gig to a frenetic, unwelcomed conclusion.
With headline slots pencilled in for Leeds/Reading and Bilbao’s BBK festivals later in the year, Foals, who have graduated from their mathematical pop beginnings with 2008’s Antidotes with a formula for driven, rhythmic guitar rock that will no doubt see them end 2016 at the top of their game.
