pampelmoose Dave Allen of Gang of Four’s Music and Media Blog

Pictures and post from Nilina Mason-Campbell:
Last time Foals trotted over to the west of the US, they only played one show in Seattle, hometown of their American label Sub Pop. This time the journey was more extensive as they made their way up the entire coast, finally gracing Portland after a show in San Diego. And what did they get? The best show of the tour according to them. What did the Rose City get? Energy, hand-claps, shouts and dancing on behalf of the five Oxford-based lads that made it one of the best live shows to happen in Portland in 2008. They covered all their David Sitek produced hits and a rousing version of “Hummer” made nearly unrecognizable due to added bass and drum beats. Before Wednesday night, I always figured them for a guitar-centric band, but this mid-week night showcased just how integral bassist Walter Gervers and drummer Jack Bevan’s contributions are. Of course jokes could be said about “my little ponies” given frontman Yannis’ stunted height, but it could also be applied to the footwork of guitarist Jimmy and keyboardist Edwin Congreave. The two were alike not only in stocking feet, but in the way they constantly brushed their feet back and forth like a horse ready to gate (or a bull ready to stampede).

Over the course of their set they talked about how they’d busied themselves in the city from 7am and laughed at the absolutely over the top screams coming from the audience as a whole, but especially one guy who seemed to desire a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for longest held and most intense scream. At 12:15 the night was over after a one song encore. I’m pretty sure everyone there had to turn around at be at work in a matter of hours, but they didn’t care about their diminished amount of sleep. I’m pretty sure I have pneumonia, but it wasn’t like I was going to miss Foals and their live show proved that decision right. Even as I cough and hack days later, likely made worse for wear because I couldn’t keep myself from dancing at the Doug Fir, it still feels worth it.