Entertainment

Music Scene: Foals on the up with new album

Foals' new album is called What Went Down
Foals' new album is called What Went Down Foals' new album is called What Went Down

FOALS make a welcome return with new album What Went Down. The band who have provided us with some excellent, quirky and totally catchy tracks over the years are in fine form and the new material displays a more dark and heavy side to their musical character.

The album was produced by James Ford, the man responsible for the Arctic Monkey's debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not which as a point of reference gives you some inkling as to the direction the record takes.

That's only half the story, however, as the tracks I've heard possess a real depth and maturity well below the surface. What Went Down is a more rocky album than Foals' previous outings which is no bad thing since the band have also managed to maintain that uplifting indie sparkle.

Foals' highest charting song to date is still 2013's My Number, a song which has become their piece de resistance but judging by the quality of the new material, that song's position may now be under threat. What Went Down is officially released in August.

King Giorgio

IF YOU want to immerse yourself in uplifting dance music and its rich heritage, you should check out the new album by the man who practically invented EDM. The word legend tends to be profoundly over-used these days but when it comes to Giorgio Moroder the cap ceratinly fits.

Always revered for his pioneering work on Donna Summer's I Feel Love, Moroder has worked with everyone from The Human League's Phil Oakey to Sparks and from David Bowie to Daft Punk. His new album, Deja Vu, is an absolute party of a record – high on energy and crammed with joyous grooves and delectable electronic effects.

The album kicks off with a typical Moroder instrumental and then Sia takes lead vocal on the title track which leaps out of the blocks and sets the record's tone with its disco abandon. Other highlights include Right Here Right Now which features Kylie Minogue and Back and Forth featuring Kelis which, after more and more listens, is sounding like the album's prime cut.

Further complimentary nods go to the excellent Micky Ekko collaboration, Don't Let Go and Charlie XCX's track Diamonds. This is one seriously strong album that puts Eurodance firmly back on the map. If this was Daft Punk's new record, the world would be raving about it.

Go with the Flo

FLORENCE and the Machine tickets are now on sale for her date at the Odyssey Arena on September 9. Her new album How Big How Blue How Beautiful is her best to date in my opinion and her recent live shows in the US have been heralded as stunning live experiences.

Florence is an artist who gives it everything she's got in a live scenario (resulting recently in a broken foot during her Coachella performance) and her Belfast gig will be something to behold for both devotees and casual fans alike.