Foals Hint at New Album: “2026…The Year of The Fire Horse”

Foals gear up for 2026 with a fresh album teaser, dubbing it “the year of The Fire Horse.” Fans, get ready for a new musical chapter!

Foals Spark Excitement for a 2026 Album

If you’ve been waiting anxiously for new tunes from Oxford’s own Foals, it seems the wait might soon be over. The band recently stirred the pot with a cryptic yet tantalizing social media post, branding 2026 as “The Year of The Fire Horse.” As someone who’s followed their evolution through the years—from their early math-rock days to the more expansive sounds of their recent work—this hint feels like a thrilling promise of what’s to come.

Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis in 2023

The announcement came via Instagram on January 1st, featuring a snapshot of a recording studio whiteboard that’s brimming with song titles and recording details. It’s a classic behind-the-scenes glimpse that sets any fan’s imagination racing. Though no concrete release date was shared, the message was clear: Foals are back in the studio and cooking up something special.

The Road to a New Record

This tease arrives after frontman Yannis Philippakis had already dropped hints about a possible new album. In a December interview, Yannis said, “I’m thinking about a Foals record, for sure. We just took a holiday together in Iceland and we were chatting about a record, so I reckon next year, keep your eyes peeled.” Holidays in Iceland, band chats about new music—it’s the kind of casual yet heartfelt detail that makes the whole process feel so real.

Back in 2024, Philippakis had told the press that their next album “could be the best Foals record yet.” There’s a sense of intention behind this statement, a desire not to rush but to craft something truly meaningful:

“We really want to have some time at home and apart to individually get replenished and be inspired – not make one out of a knee-jerk sense of obligation. We want the next record to be really special.”
– Yannis Philippakis

That’s a refreshing take, especially in today’s instant-release culture. It’s as if the band is quietly gathering creative fuel, ready to ignite a new fire that’s both fresh and resonant.

Walter Gervers Returns—The Foals Family Reunites

One of the most exciting pieces of this puzzle is the return of bassist Walter Gervers, who rejoined Foals in 2023 after a six-year hiatus. Walter’s departure in 2017 left a noticeable gap in the band’s dynamic, so his comeback feels like a homecoming of sorts.

“After six years in the alpine wilderness guess who’s back in the band?” Yannis announced enthusiastically. “Walter is back and better than ever. Rejoining for all the coming shows and into the future. Get ready, the boys are back in business.”

For longtime fans like me, that’s like music to the ears—literally. The chemistry Walter brings cannot be overstated, and it suggests this upcoming album will carry some of the band’s classic essence alongside new explorations.

Reflecting on ‘Life Is Yours’ and What’s Next

Foals’ latest LP, Life Is Yours (2022), garnered critical praise and a devoted following. It was awarded four stars by critics who noted its ability to capture a sun-soaked, joyous vibe that felt much needed in a turbulent time. The album’s live energy, especially at massive festivals like Glastonbury, reaffirmed that Foals continue to peak creatively.

The new album—if the teaser is anything to go by—might take that momentum further. I’m personally intrigued by the promise of a “fire horse” year—an image that conjures vitality, unpredictability, and a bit of magic.

Philippakis’s Broader Creative Journey

Yannis Philippakis hasn’t been just sitting idle during the last few years. Beyond Foals, he has been deeply involved in side projects like Yannis & The Yaw, which he formed after meeting Afrobeat legend Tony Allen in 2016. Though Allen passed away in 2020, the band released an EP Lagos Paris London in 2024, a poignant tribute that extended Yannis’s musical horizons.

Philippakis described the project as “galvanising,” emphasizing that the record is “soundtracking this feeling of precipice,” capturing the tension and beauty of uncertain times without being overtly political or didactic.

Check out a conversation with Yannis about The Yaw and his work with Tony Allen here:
https://www.inoreader.com/yt-embed/?v=JZNWT6OGF3U

Theatre and Experimental Sounds

In 2023, Yannis also made a surprising leap into theatre, composing music for the play The Confessions at London’s National Theatre. This was a brave move outside the usual stadium rock scope, offering a raw, atmospheric sound described as “harsh and brutalist,” with “metallic blasts” and primal undertones—what he affectionately called “an ancient elephant.”

He explains how this was a unique challenge: “One big thing I discovered was that what’s right for theatre is very different to what’s right for something filmed.” This exploration clearly influences his broader artistic palette and might hint at some experimental textures in the upcoming Foals album.

Anticipating What’s Next

With all this in mind, Foals’ announcement that 2026 will be “The Year of The Fire Horse” feels like a beacon. It’s a statement loaded with symbolism and promise. For a band that has evolved so much yet always stayed true to their craft, the future looks bright.

Are we on the brink of their best record yet? Will Walter Gervers’s return spark a new creative fire? Time will tell, but as a devoted fan, I’m already marking my calendar.

FAQ

• How long has it been since Foals’ last album?
  Their most recent album, Life Is Yours, was released in 2022.
• What does "The Year of The Fire Horse" mean for Foals?
  It’s a poetic way to mark 2026 as a significant and powerful year, hinting at a new album and creative rebirth.
• Who recently rejoined Foals, and why is it important?
  Bassist Walter Gervers returned in 2023 after a six-year break, bringing back a core part of the band’s chemistry.
• What other projects has Yannis Philippakis been involved in?
  Yannis formed Yannis & The Yaw and released an EP honoring Afrobeat legend Tony Allen. He also composed music for a London theatre play.
• Will the new album be very different from previous ones?
  Given the band’s history and Yannis’s recent explorations, expect a blend of their signature sound with some fresh, possibly experimental elements.

Feeling inspired by Foals’ journey and their upcoming chapter? Bring that vibe home by shopping your favorite album cover posters at our store for a perfect tribute to the music that moves us. Check them out here.