The band was formed in 2005 by Philippakis and Bevan, both former members of math rock band The Edmund Fitzgerald, and Andrew Mears of Youthmovies. Mears left the band after their first single to focus on Youthmovies. In January 2018, it was announced that Walter Gervers was also leaving the band.
In early 2007, the band released the limited edition 7" singles Hummer and Mathletics, both produced by Gareth Parton. In the summer of 2007 Foals began working on their debut album in New York. It was produced by Dave Sitek of TV On The Radio, however, the band decided to mix the album themselves, stating that Sitek made the first master copy of the album sound like "it was recorded in the Grand Canyon". Yannis has stated multiple times during various interviews that Foals and Dave Sitek are on good terms, even though the copy by Sitek was rejected by the band.
Foals released their debut album, entitled Antidotes, on 24 March 2008 in the UK and 8 April 2008 in the US. The album was a commercial success in the United Kingdom, debuting at No. 3 in the UK Albums Charts. The album was a minor success in other countries, charting in Japan, France and the Netherlands. Non-UK versions of the album include the early Parton produced singles.
In August 2009, Foals started recording their second album at Svenska Grammofon Studion in Gothenburg, Sweden. The album, Total Life Forever, has been described by the band members as sounding like "tropical prog" and "like the dream of an eagle dying". The band have described the album as being "a lot less funk" than they had originally planned. The album was produced by Luke Smith, formerly of Clor, and its title is named after an element of Ray Kurzweil's theory of singularity. The band's frontman Yannis Philippakis has professed a long time interest in futurology, with it informing numerous songs on Total Life Forever.
On 1 March 2010, the promotional single "Spanish Sahara" was first played on Zane Lowe's show Radio 1. Foals' new website was updated that night with the release of a video for the track directed by longtime collaborator Dave Ma. On 6 March, the Total Life Forever site was officially launched. Puzzles revealed images, lyrics and sound clips of songs from the album. The last clip appeared on 12 March, and resulted with a password entry for the Foals' new website. The site was opened on 13 March and presented the whole new art concept and media including samples of songs, photos and videos. Lead single "This Orient" was released on 3 May 2010. The album was finally released on 10 May 2010. "Spanish Sahara" was later released as a full physical single in September 2010, featuring an edited remix starring the strings of London Contemporary Orchestra. The album was nominated for the 2010 Mercury Prize.
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Dearth
Foals Lyrics
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Just to force this gale out of me, out for me
We could peel artichoke hearts and break our legs and dry out
Maybe if we could just talk about the weather
I have 300 bombs all in my head
I have 300 bombs all in my head.
just to force this gale out of me, out for me
We could peel artichoke hearts and break our legs and dry out
Saturday we could come home and cut the phone lines
Saturday we could come home and cut the phone lines
Saturday we could come home and cut the phone lines
I could cut my hands off now,
Just to find the skeleton of me, ton of me
We could peel artichoke hearts and break our legs and dry out and dry out.
The lyrics of Foals' song "Dearth" can be interpreted as an expression of frustration and internal turmoil. The imagery of cutting off one's hands and peeling artichoke hearts symbolizes a desperate attempt to release the emotions, thoughts, and burdens that weigh heavy on the singer's mind.
The repetition of the line “I could cut my hands off now, just to force this gale out of me” suggests a desire to escape the overwhelming feelings that consume the singer. It implies a longing for a release, even if it means inflicting physical pain. The mention of breaking legs and drying out further emphasizes the desperate need to rid oneself of these oppressive emotions.
The reference to having 300 bombs in the head can be interpreted metaphorically, representing the internalized turmoil and explosive thoughts that the singer is struggling to contain. It suggests a constant state of tension and the overwhelming weight of one's thoughts.
The mention of cutting phone lines on Saturday hints at a desire to disconnect from the outside world. It could be seen as a metaphorical act of isolation, seeking solace and peace by cutting off communication and external distractions.
Overall, the lyrics of "Dearth" convey a sense of frustration, desperation, and the inner desire for release and escape from the burdensome emotions that the singer is grappling with.
Line by Line Meaning
I could cut my hands off now,
I am willing to go to extreme measures and sacrifice my own physical well-being.
Just to force this gale out of me, out for me
In order to release and expel this inner turmoil and unrest that is suffocating me.
We could peel artichoke hearts and break our legs and dry out
Together, we could go through intense physical and emotional experiences, enduring pain and hardship, until we are completely drained.
Maybe if we could just talk about the weather
Perhaps if we avoid discussing deeper, troubling issues, we can find some temporary relief in superficial conversation.
I have 300 bombs all in my head
My mind is filled with countless explosive thoughts and emotions that threaten to detonate at any given moment.
Saturday we could come home and cut the phone lines
On a specific day, we could return to a place of solitude and disconnect from the outside world, severing all forms of communication.
Just to find the skeleton of me, ton of me
By undergoing extreme actions, I hope to strip away all superficial layers and discover the true essence and core of my being.
We could peel artichoke hearts and break our legs and dry out and dry out
As we push ourselves to our limits physically and emotionally, we will become depleted and drained, seeking a state of ultimate emptiness.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JACK WILLIAM BEVAN, EDWIN THOMAS CONGREAVE, WALTER JAMES MORRISON GERVERS, YANNIS BARNABAS EMANUEL PHILIPPAKIS, JAMES SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind