Sydney-based duo Foley, originally hailing from New Zealand, have unveiled their highly anticipated second album, 'That's Life, Baby!', marking a significant leap in their alt-pop journey. Following their 2023 debut, 'Crowd Pleaser', Ash and Gabe have dedicated the past year to refining their artistry and exploring new narratives, resulting in a record that radiates both depth and exuberance.
"'That's Life, Baby!' sums up our approach to life in a nutshell - we go through highs and lows, love, loss, trauma, but at the end of the day we are positive, light-hearted and optimistic because we have each other through it all. The album is a collection of stories and experiences from the last year, each track describing an interaction with those around us, or a realisation within ourselves, that has had a lasting impact on us as people; each one a little slice of our lives," the duo explained.
The album reflects a newfound confidence in their songwriting, allowing them to delve into a spectrum of emotions. "We were able to really trust ourselves as songwriters – to be extremely honest and open about our lives," they revealed, navigating themes of grief, joy, and romance with raw sincerity.
The album's release has been preceded by a string of successful singles, including 'Low and High', 'Heartstrings', 'Unstable', 'Time Of My Life' and 'Miss You All The Time', building anticipation for the full project. The title track, 'That's Life, Baby!', bursts with energy, its guitar-driven melodies and vocal deliveries drawing comparisons to the likes of The 1975 and HAIM. Tracks such as 'Cardio' and 'Fever' infuse a playful, danceable vibe, with the former leaning into disco influences and the latter channelling the synth-pop sounds of the 80s.
'Back To Me' offers a moment of introspection, exploring grief with a blend of bright sonics and heartfelt lyrics. The album concludes with 'Never Feels Like Summer', a tender duet that radiates warmth and affection, encapsulating the album's summery essence. "It never feels like summer when you’re gone / So thank god / That you’re right here," they sing, a perfect conclusion to the collection.
"That's Life, Baby! reflects a new dynamic in the way we’re writing about our feelings and thoughts. We’re no longer trying to find answers or navigate life with songs like we used to - we know that life’s going to throw everything at us and sometimes you just have to roll with it. We’re accepting the messiness, the chaos and the joy that comes with everything. It’s a nuanced distinction but feels really fresh and light, and bubbly for us as we grow up. That’s Life, Baby!" Foley shared.
Collaborating with Josh Naley and Harry Charles, who they credit as "instrumental in honing the Foley sound," the album was largely crafted during a songwriting retreat on Waiheke Island. The picturesque location became "the extra member of the band," inspiring their creative process.
"We truly let ourselves loose on these songs. That experience allowed us to tap into the duality that Foley has always been known for; vulnerability and honesty at times that feels raw and at the surface; paired with fun, free, light hearted tongue in cheek songs that have you bouncing along in the car… It felt important to us to write our sophomore album in a short amount of time so it feels like a slice of time in our lives. Already looking back on that year it's an incredible feeling to have it immortalised in an album where we can track how we felt in each moment and experience that came our way."
To celebrate the release, Foley have announced a string of album launch shows across New South Wales and Victoria, as well as support slots for Strange Talk. Fans can expect an electrifying live experience, bringing the album's infectious energy to the stage.
For more from Foley, connect with the band today on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
