Foals’ rise throughout 2007 has been nothing short of stratospheric. From social outcasts of their local Oxfordshire scene, the band sails into 2008 as one of the most hotly tipped and exciting bands in the UK.In addition to being included in virtually every list of ‘acts tipped for success in 2008’, Foals came in at # 5 in the BBC’s hugely respected Sound of 2008 poll, compiled by 150 critics and broadcasters from the UK music scene, not to mention amidst the top-three ‘Critic’s Choice’ in the new artists categories for this year’s Brits, alongside Adele and Duffy.Plaudits are all good and well, but Foals’ assurance is born out of the confidence in having their phenomenal debut album, ‘Antidotes’ (released March 24th) in their arsenal, rather than the hype being bestowed upon them. Brand new single ‘Cassius’ is further evidence of Foals’ remarkable talent as songwriters with another slice of beat and hook-driven pop set to win hearts, minds and dancing feet. As a further tantalising taste of the album, ‘Cassius’ is a brass-heavy, afro-beat flavoured monster, featuring the distinctive horns of legendary group Antibalas. As per the previous release – ‘Balloons’, which dented the charts by crashing in the notoriously competitive Christmas top-40 – it’ll again be backed with two brand-new b-sides, as well as the 2nd Kieran Hebden/Four Tet session, who has produced a wondrous, ten-minute, alternate version of the A-side.Foals’ popularity germinated and grew over 2007 as the band found themselves playing clubs, gigs, show-stealing slots at all the major festivals, squats - anywhere with a soundsystem. The year culminated in a brief appearance on Channel 4’s ‘Skins’, an appearance on BBC2’s ‘Later with Jools Holland’ and an arena tour with Bloc Party. Needless to say, Foals have acquired a barrage of fans – celebrities, fellow musicians, and of course, the thousands of people that turn up in force at their exhilarating live shows.Live, Foals explode like a well-shaken bottle of champagne. “It’s like we’re all battling for supremacy on stage,” says Edwin. The dance-inflected beats have seen them rock venues ranging from the kitchen at a house party to London warehouse parties. It’s no exaggeration to say they are the best new band in the UK.

Foals tour the UK in March 2008, and will also visit Japan, Australia, USA and Europe in the first half of this year.Foals

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