Foals shine with 'Holy Fire'

Foals, “Holy Fire” (Warner Bros. Records)

One thing you can say about the Foals is that they always mix it up. Their first album, “Antidotes,” was loaded with heavy drumbeats, while “Total Life Forever” was more melancholic with beautiful lyrical prowess.

The British band sticks to their wild formula on the new album, “Holy Fire.” It opens with “Prelude,” a 4-minute long instrumental that blasts into “Inhaler,” showcasing a rockier side to the band. There are howling guitars and shouting vocals, courtesy of Yannis Philippakis.

“My Number” is addictive and could have jumped straight from a Talking Heads record. It is funky, uplifting and playful, and the lyrics illustrate optimism: “I feel the love, feel the love.”

Melancholia isn't far away though, as the record swings back down with “Bad Habit,” which is a soulful lament. “I'm a bad habit, one you cannot shake,” sings Philippakis.