It is our natural expectation that with each passing album that a band/group/artist puts out, each album should surpass the other in its quality, musicianship, and production value. As one practices a talent, one should become more skilled at it. Thus conclusion allows us to evaluate each album that a group puts forth in the light of the last one. As the group's abilities grow, so do the listener's expectations, and the most disappointing moment is the realization that a group has peaked, and will never be able to top their peak.
Luckily, such is not the case for the new Foals album. Every band seeks to make the next album deviate from the previous, and to not bore their listeners by recycling old ideas. If the band wishes to deviant beyond their original sound, listeners are free to choose whether or not they agree with the new direction that the band has taken in the space from one album to the next. That is why, with Total Life Forever, one should not compare it in the light of Antidotes due to the new direction in sound that the band had taken. If you have grown all too fond of the pomp and playfulness of Antidotes, the first listen of Total Life Forever will be somewhat offsetting. But if you approach this album knowing that the band has gained experience, you will hear to the maturity of their sound, and bear witness to the testimony of an entirely solid album.
Personally, I viewed the new release as an improvement in their musicianship, and will thus have higher expectations until their next album. The bands who never peak are the ones who will truly be remembered, but the bands who desperately try to survive their fall are the ones who fade away.
listen to Total Life Forever
listen to Spanish Sahara
order Total Life Forever
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