FOALS deliver one of The Eastern's best shows of the year on their "Life Is Yours" tour.
FOALS 12/6/2022 at The Eastern | Dylan Basden Photography
English alternative-rock trio FOALS are fresh off the release of their eighth studio album, Life Is Yours. Their North American tour in support of the album marks their first in over three years, having also released Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part I in that time.
GLOVE 12/6/2022 at The Eastern | Dylan Basden Photography
Tampa, Florida's GLOVE opened up the show, bringing with them the sounds of their post punk predecessors (Joy Division, The B-52s) to the modern age. Armed with synths, drum pads, and a whole ton of effects, GLOVE seamlessly blended atmospheric elements and rock power for an incredible set. Cycling between vocals throughout their slot, any individual could be mistaken for one straight out of the 80's English scene. Their song "Modern Toy" was a notable stand out in their half hour performance.
Inner Wave 12/6/2022 at The Eastern | Dylan Basden Photography
Shoegaze meets pop when Inner Wave hits the stage. The Los Angelos band came out with a spectacle of a performance, showcasing shimmer guitars and sparkling keys for a mystical sounding set. Clearly no stranger to the big stage, Inner Wave did not seem intimidated in the slightest by the packed out room. Between the tight drums and dreamlike vocals, even those unfamiliar with the band (myself included) were left with a smile on their face.
FOALS 12/6/2022 at The Eastern | Dylan Basden Photography
The build up had begun, as the band walks out to music it was clear the crowd was ready to burst. FOALS immediately kick it into high gear, with the instantly shimmery groove of "Wake Me Up" comes slamming through the PA system. As the band belts the hook, 'wake me up', there was a wave of catharsis that overtook the audience. The pounding of the singalong crossover hit was all it took to get the crowd moving. The band then transitioned into "The Runner", a shredding rock anthem fit for a concert hall. Lead singer Yannis Philippakis would eagerly lean over the crowd from the subwoofers as he delivered the blistering guitar solo.
FOALS 12/6/2022 at The Eastern | Dylan Basden Photography
There was no shortage of rambunctious music for a ravenous crowd. FOALS have a brilliant way of combining their influences, from dance-punk, to math rock, and indie sounds. Despite this, they seem to carry the weight and performative capabilities of an arena rock band, while keeping their sound intact. Yannis was no stranger to a crowd walk, meandering amongst fans on at least three different occasions, and he certainly knew how to command a stage. His bandmates, Jack Bevin (drums/percussion) and Jimmy Smith (guitar), were just as performative, striking out on their own to ensure the delivery of a spectacular show.
FOALS 12/6/2022 at The Eastern | Dylan Basden Photography
FOALS' closing argument, a four song run beginning with their major hit "Mountain at My Gates" spanned across their main set and encore. The band took this moment to end the show at the climax, showcasing their rock anthems and crushing instrumentation. The final track of the night, "Two Steps, Twice", was nothing short of perfect. The band released the last of their pent up energy is the most meaningful way they could, and it produced a fantastic ending to the show.
FOALS 12/6/2022 at The Eastern | Dylan Basden Photography
Some more notable tracks throughout the night were "My Number" and "2am". The former was a danceable tune from their 2012 album and the latter is their latest single released a decade later. However, there was never a dull moment. Even for the casual fan, there's plenty you'll recognize and even more to discover.
1. Wake Me Up
2. The Runner
3. 2001
4. (summer sky)
5. Balloons
6. Olympic Airways
7. My Number
8. Black Gold
9. Birch Tree
10. 2am
11. In Degrees
12. Spanish Sahara
13. Red Socks Pugie
14. Providence
15. Mountain at My Gates
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16. Snake Oil
17. Inhaler
18. Two Steps, Twice
FOALS 12/6/2022 at The Eastern | Dylan Basden Photography
Rounding out their 2022 with a run up the east coast, FOALS look to continue their touring trend well into next year. The band's 2023 is already packed with dates, with a string of sold out intimate show in the UK and a support slot of Paramore's upcoming arena tour setting them up for a big year ahead.
12/07 Nashville, TN — Marathon Music Works^*
12/09 Columbus, OH — KEMBA Live!^*
12/10 Toronto, ON — Queen Elizabeth Theatre^*
12/11 Cleveland, OH — Agora Theater & Ballroom^*
12/13 Washington D.C. — The Anthem^*
12/14 Philadelphia, PA — Franklin Music Hall^*
12/16 New York, NY — Terminal 5^*
12/17 Boston, MA — Roadrunner^*
12/18 Portland, ME — State Theatre^*
2023
05/04 Southhampton, UK — Engine Rooms (SOLD OUT)
05/04 Southhampton, UK — Engine Rooms (Matinee)(SOLD OUT)
05/05 Liverpool, UK — O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
05/05 Liverpool, UK — O2 Academy (Matinee)(SOLD OUT)
05/07 Edinburgh, UK — Liquid Rooms (SOLD OUT)
05/07 Edinburgh, UK — Liquid Rooms (Matinee)(SOLD OUT)
05/08 Glasgow, UK — SWG3 Warehouse (SOLD OUT)
05/08 Glasgow, UK — SWG3 Warehouse (Matinee)(SOLD OUT)
05/09 Oxford, UK — O2 Academy (SOLD OUT)
05/11 Kingston, UK — PRYZM (SOLD OUT)
05/11 Kingston, UK — PRYZM (Matinee)(SOLD OUT)
07/06 New Orleans, LA — Smoothie King Center+~
07/08 Fort Worth, TX — Dickies Arena+~
07/09 Fort Worth, TX — Moody Center+~
07/11 Houston, TX — Toyota Center+~
07/13 Denver, CO — Ball Arena+~
07/13 Thousand Palms, CA — Acrisure Arena+
07/16 San Diego, CA — Viejas Arena+
07/19 Los Angelos, CA — Kia Forum+
07/20 Los Angelos, CA — Kia Forum+
07/24 Seattle, WA — Climate Pledge Arena+~
07/25 Portland, OR — Veterans Memorial Coliseum+~
07/27 Salt Lake City, UT — Vivint Arena+~
07/29 Tulsa, OK — BOK Center+~
07/30 St. Louis, MO — Enterprise Center+~
08/02 St. Paul, MN — Xcel Energy Center+~
08/10 Budapest, HU — Sziget Festival 2023
08/11-12 Piestany, SI — Grape Festival 2023
08/15 Instanbul, TR — Zorlu Performing Arts Center
08/31-09/02 Málaga, ES — Cala Mijas 2023
08/31-09/02 Lisboa, PT — Meo Kalorama 2023
^ with Inner Wave
* with GLOVE
+ supporting Paramore
~ with The Linda Lindas
FOALS 12/6/2022 at The Eastern | Dylan Basden Photography
FOALS came prepared for a party. Whether you wanted to stand and groove in your own spot or (quite literally) sprint-dance across the entire venue, this was the perfect night. The trio always felt in control, with some of the best crowd control and stage presence I've ever seen. Their music was also just plain infectious, never failing to capitalize on the fans' energy. This truly was one of the best shows at The Eastern since it opened late last year.
