Foals - ‘2am’ Review: Youthful, euphoric and optimistic
An undeniably clear indication of where the new album “Life Is Yours” is heading.
★★★★★★★★☆☆
Credit: FOALS 📸
After exploring an apocalyptic, pessimistic and alarmingly pertinent approach with double album(s) Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost I & II in 2019, the band (now just a trio) have yet again re-invented their sound, vision and style. This daring new direction sounds youthful, bright, colourful, euphoric, and optimistic.
2am is about reaching a point on a night out where you’re ‘at a crossroads’ and you have to make a decision of what happens next. Lyrically, it’s extremely simple - there’s no denying it’s probably the poppiest song FOALS have ever released.
It wastes no time bringing the party; introducing the various elements immediately, primarily a catchy chord sequence on a synthesiser by Yannis and by 1 minute, we’re on the chorus. And once it reaches a pinnacle, like most FOALS songs, a full-on rave of sound hits you face-first.
The new FOALS album, Life Is Yours, is said to be recorded and produced during the harsh lockdown Winter during COVID-19, and it’s quite apparent when listening. Yannis, Jack and Jimmy are yearning for tomorrow to come - unleashing new energy and dynamism. COVID-19 cut the ENSWBL Tour short, and instead offered moments of reflection - 2am and supporting single Wake Me Up are those moments.
It’s not all new though, 2am retains the classic FOALS sound, vibrantly sounding math-rock guitars, groovy bass lines and dangerous drums with the added element of slick synthesisers to create a disco vibe. In fact, I’m pretty confident the drums are extremely similar to Out Of The Woods, from the album Holy Fire back in 2013 - whether intentional or not.
There are no arguments here… 2am is catchy. It’s uplifting at a time where we need it most, packed with a sexy guitar riff full of colour; FOALS have never sounded so polished, refined and stripped back. Will the song stand the test of time? If you’re new to FOALS, it’s very accessible and I can see it being introduced to clubs everywhere on the indie floor.
It’s no masterpiece, but it doesn’t claim to be. For the summer playlists, 2am is almost ideal. I’m looking forward to seeing how this song fits into the bigger puzzle that is Life Is Yours when it drops.
Now, it’s your turn. Give it a spin, and tell us what you think on Insta or X.
Rating: 8/10
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