If you’ve never seen U.K. band Foals before you missed out on one of the best live acts to hit the House of Blues stage this summer.
With shows on the tour selling out, their date in San Diego was no exception as they played to a packed house.
Since gaining success with their second album “Total Life Forever,” released in 2009, Foals have jolted up to success and their fanbase has grown with radio plays from their singles. Their last visit to San Diego was a quick stop at Porter’s Pub, right before rocking the Coachella Valley Music Festival for two weekends earlier this year. With such success, they were easily able sell out the House of Blues, a much larger venue than Pub.
To ignite their Holy Fire Tour, Foals invited Drowners to open up for them. Fresh out of the U.K. and with only one three song EP —- “Between us Girls” —- Drowners managed to perform a 10 song set that got the crowd up and moving.
If you’re into fashion or just love magazines then you may have seen the band’s lead singer, Matt Hitt, modeling in a few fashion editorials. From runways, “GQ” and even a Gucci ad campaign, Hitt is now focusing his attention on his band and touring North America. Their success looks promising and they are already gaining a fanbase.
Later, excitement could be felt throughout the venue as Foals’ set time neared. High pitched screams soared through the room as the lights dimmed. An extended prelude into the bands first song “Prelude” sparked a roar from fans that had been anxiously waiting to see their favorite band.
Lead singer Yannis’ Philipakis stepped onto the stage along with his band and started a supercharged set of new material off their new LP “Holy Fire” and their older album’s top hits.
Everyone seemed to want a piece of Philipakis that night as the crowd pushed and swayed with every fan yearning to be at the front of the pit. Songs like “My Number” encouraged the crowd to jump along and crowd surfing commenced. “Spanish Sahara” still remains one of their most hypnotizing and they played it to a backdrop of bright red and blue lighting, a kaleidoscope of light and sound, and a slow build towards a mighty crescendo that fueled the audience’s excitement.
One of the night’s most intense moment included catching Philipakis pop up on the balcony overlooking the pit and watching as the singer, guitar and all, jumped from the top of the balcony and down to the crowd of fans underneath.
He then crowd surfed throughout the audience while still managing to play his guitar for the remainder of the song. And right after getting back onstage he proceeded to jump back into the crowd, providing another thrilling moment. The band always keeps the action going and their fans off their feet.
Are you still wondering why Foals is one of the best live acts to catch?
