Playing the party circuit and sparking much interest back in England since their formation in 2006, Foals’ debut album Antidotes released two years later was received with much acclaim. Now with a solid fan base, the highly anticipated follow-up from Oxford’s five-piece is an 11-track wonder that delivers a more varied and diverse sound than previously established off their first album. Ditching their last producer Dave Sitek in favour of Luke Smith marked a distinct change; Total Life Forever is a lot darker with the inclusion of slower ballads and atmospheric tracks, marking an expansion in direction for Foals.

The new record sees the band altering their songcraft. What was essentially a series of tracks with similar melodies and catchy hooks off Antidotes has evolved into a richer and more layered orchestration on the new album. "Spanish Sahara" is a prime example of this. Soft, whispering vocals from frontman Yannis Philippakis accompanies a reserved beginning where instruments are kept to a minimum. The track builds slowly over the course of three minutes to include drums, keyboard and guitar before amassing into an atmospheric melody that peaks three quarters of the way through the song. "Spanish Sahara" lays evidence to Foals’ exploration into a richer aural experience; the song weaves a lavish tapestry of poignant emotion in just under seven minutes.

"This Orient" is perhaps pitched in stark contrast to "Spanish Sahara", if not the entire album. Much more rock-orientated in sound, the quick tempo and dominance of the drum beat means it sticks out in comparison to the other tracks. The song is an attempt at a harder rock sound and, personally, there is something in its execution that just does not sit well with the rest of the record. Bloc Party comes to mind when listening to this release. Perhaps a sore thumb is too strong a metaphor to describe the single; "This Orient" is more of a light swelling or inflammation, but a noticeable incongruence nonetheless.

Retaining their ability to compose infectious guitar hooks, "Miami" is a standout track that takes the rock edge of "This Orient" and fuses it with the atmospheric fragility of the ballads to create a song that just works. The guitar riff of the chorus combined with a deep bass line is catchy and upbeat without compromising the rich sound of the album. In a similar vein, the title track "Total Life Forever" is executed in much the same formula. Drums and guitar initiate the song, quickly followed by vocals and keyboard beats that amalgamate to produce a toe-tapping number with hand claps and an experimental-pop beat. The two tracks are solid and embody the elements that made singles such as "Hummer" and "Cassius" so popular off Antidotes, albeit with a more mature sound.

"Black Gold" and "After Glow" further exemplify the successful exploration of atmospheric songs with an upbeat tempo. Clocking in over six minutes each, the tracks are allowed sufficient time to demonstrate instrumental layering. Echoing keyboard notes are a frequent favourite together with emotional vocals from Yannis calling eerily with slight distortions. "What Remains" ends the album with heavy drums and crashing symbols, quaintly plucked strings and chanting backing vocals. The song’s orchestration allows for a build up of beats and melodies to great climatic effect. "What Remains" is resonant and powerful, almost like an anthem to substantiate the band’s musical maturity.

The appealing hooks and riffs, the pounding keyboard notes – elements that made Antidotes so successful – the band has taken, brushed up and expanded upon to create a second album that is experimentally darker and much deeper in sound and substance. Total Life Forever is testament to Foals’ progression from repetitive, dance-orientated melodies to sonically beautiful soundscapes that weave tales of layered emotion.

Review Score: 8.5/10