Watch Foals Live at the Royal Albert Hall
- NR
- 2017
- 1 hr 42 min
-
8.8 (74)
Foals Live at the Royal Albert Hall is a concert film that captures the UK band Foals' performance at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London on March 28th, 2013. The film showcases the band's phenomenal live act and presents footage of their electrifying set through multiple angles and dynamic camera work. The movie begins with a brief interview with the band members, where they discuss the significance of playing at the Royal Albert Hall and their pre-show rituals. The interview sets the tone for the rest of the film, making it evident that the band is well aware that this is a momentous occasion for them.
The concert begins with a slow and moody number, "Prelude", that sets a contemplative, almost melancholic tone for the night. The crowd's applause booms through the theatre as the band remains motionless for the entirety of the track, before diving into the frenzied opening riff of "Total Life Forever". The audience jumps and sways as the crunching guitar washes over them, and it becomes apparent that the combination of the incredible acoustics of the hall and the band's raw energy is a recipe for something special.
Lead vocalist Yannis Philippakis then takes the stage like a force of nature, his intensity palpable even on screen. He oscillates between high-pitched yelps and hypnotic drones, captivating the audience and propelling the band through the setlist. His presence is complemented by the rest of the band, with Jimmy Smith's lightning-fast guitar work, Walter Gervers' sturdy basslines, and Jack Bevan's explosive drumming.
The setlist is a well-curated mix of fan favorites and newer tracks, encompassing the band's diverse range of styles. "Blue Blood" and "Olympic Airways" from their debut album are met with thunderous applause, while newer tracks like "My Number" and "Late Night" keep the energy up with their bouncy, danceable grooves.
Throughout the film, it's clear that the focus is on the band's performance, with little apparent editing or post-production. The camera work follows the members as they move around the stage, offering a dynamic view of the action from different angles. The dim lighting creates a moody atmosphere, and the stage's minimalist set design further highlights the band's performance.
One of the highlights of the film is undoubtedly the performance of "Spanish Sahara". The song begins with Philippakis playing an atmospheric guitar riff, and as he starts to sing the opening lyrics ("I'm the fury in your head..."), it's as if the entire audience is holding its breath. The performance builds up to a cathartic climax, with Philippakis strumming his guitar with abandon and unleashing a fierce howl.
The concert concludes with the epic "Two Steps Twice", a track that caps off the set with its explosive riff and frenzied drumming. The audience is left exhausted but elated, their standing ovation a testament to the band's raw power.
Overall, Foals Live at the Royal Albert Hall is a testament to the band's phenomenal live act and the stunning acoustics of the iconic theatre. The film captures the band's energy and intensity, with dynamic camera work and an intimate focus on their performance. This film is a must-watch for both Foals fans and anyone who appreciates a good concert film.
Foals Live at the Royal Albert Hall is a 2017 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.8.