Foals, Alexandra Palace

For those of you who like numbers, pay attention. Indie math-rock band Foals have had a good year for stats. They’ve been nominated for 4 prizes 2013: 1 for the  prestigious Mercury Prize in recognition of their third album, Holy Fire , and then 3 for the Q Awards (Best Live Act, Best Album, and Best Act in the World Today). The band are  currently on a 116-day tour . Naturally, they will be bringing their act to London for a two- date gig, but you’d better act fast: February 14th’s show at Alexandra Palace sold out in  nine minutes. They’re playing there the following day, so get your tickets soon . 

So, what’s all the fuss about? Since first album Antidote was released in 2009, these Oxford boys have been feted for their ability to reconcile precocious lyrics and intricate  guitar melodies with an ambitious sensibility privileging clever arrangements and  orchestral soundscapes. The instrumentation on Cassius, for instance, all boppy bass and  trilling guitar, is really accessible, even while singer Y annis Philippakis ’s lyrics are more  challenging. In contrast, Spanish Sahara (a knock-out of a choon) features raw,  emotionally bare lyrics with lush instrumentation and a singular sense of pacing.

In concert, Foals often go for a heavier sound than they do on record. (Yannis has been 

known to jump into crowds with his guitar—it’s that kinda vibe). This penchant for rawking 

out is something that comes across on their latest LP. Holy Fire is chock-fulla numbers that  have more muscle and grind to them than previous efforts. Prelude  has an almost ‘90s  Screamadelica feel to it—until heavy drums and a whiney guitar riff overwhelm the  dancey bits. Same thing goes for arena-ready Inhaler . Once you hear it, Metallica  handpicking Foals to play at the metal legends’ Orion festival earlier this year seems more  understandable. Foals’ gig is gonna be a doozy. Catch ‘em this February (if you can).

Tickets: £23.85 (+£2.35 booking fee)

Address & Map:  Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY  

Nearest Station/ Tube: Alexandra Palace/ Wood Green 

(note that you will need to take the W3 bus from both stations. The last train form both leaves around midnight so plan your journey home)