FOALS GIVE HISTORIC PERFORMANCE AT HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM

WORDS BY ADAM BARKER. PHOTOS BY TIMMY FARMER.

Originally opened in 1940, the historic Hollywood Palladium has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to Jay-Z. The distinctive stage, set against the flat wooden floor that doubled as a skating rink in Skatetown, USA (1979), floods with neon pink light to announce the band.

Synthesized arpeggios lead directly into the opening number, “Wake Me Up.” Lead singer Yannis Philippakis takes the stage, guitar in hand, and attacks the mic. The audience is putty in his hands. “2001” transforms into a darkwave anthem with the audience pumping their fists with the syncopated bass line.

The lights dip to orange as “My Number” sparks to life. Yannis stalks the front of the stage inciting the crowd. Smoke pumps out of the stage, pouring out over the lip and enveloping the audience. Red Strobes go off like explosions during “2AM.” The band opens up “In Degrees” into a dance epic.

“Exits” brings the mood down. The stage turns blue, as the song builds into an incredible guitar solo. Yannis jumps into the audience, guitar still strapped to his body. “Mountain At The Gates” starts fast and develops into a hardcore epic. The band pushing the song and the audience to its limits before leaving the stage.

Foals barely gives the audience time to catch their breath before launching into a punishing version of “Inhaler” for the encore. This chunky, heavier version culminates in Yannis screaming the chorus and walking off stage into the audience. Onstage, the song descends into fuzzy, deconstructed noise. The final song, “Two Steps, Twice” turns the volume up to eleven.

With a quick thank you, the band disappears having secured their place among the elite performers that have graced The Palladium stage.

FOALS