Nervous music for the high minded indie kids.

Categorizing art can often be frustrating, especially when trying to describe music. I honestly think that putting artists into certain frameworks takes away their authenticity. So instead of trying to name all the different kinds of genres and mixing them together to give an appropriate label, just try to listen for yourself. In most cases, it won’t be what you expected from reading the genre description. Anyways…

Foals is a well-known indie rock band from Great Britain. “Antidotes” is their first album, released back in 2008. I would consider this a math-rock album because of the odd rhythms and bouncy drum beats. The guitars sound like mathematical equations. You have to be able to play these lead melodies to understand what’s going on. It’s not quite an accessible record. I wish it was ha! The breathless and contorted ska-punk built around nervy guitars only makes sense after a few listens. But once you get it, you might love the creativity in the different songs.

The rhythm is the essential thing on the record. Each note and sound snaps back and over each other like plucking an ever-tightened string. The cool thing is that they never overdo it. They pack their math equations into indie songs. Yes, that is very cool!

There are too many brilliant songs to mention. “Heavy Water” has an instrumental part in the middle of the song that just slaps. The track also ends with one of the loudest sounds on the whole album, accompanied by horns. What the fuck! Also, the two guitars in “Cassius” make me fly! In combination with the danceable drum beat, it’s awesome!

Rather than listening to some lame Arcade Fire, try embracing yourself to “Antidotes.” Believe me! Your mindset will immediately change!