Rip Up The Road

Rip Up The Road is a compelling 2019 rock documentary that centers around the esteemed British rock band, Foals. Directed by Toby L and co-produced by Transgressive, the film stars members of the band – drummer Jack Bevan, guitarist and keyboardist Edwin Congreave, and vocalist and lead guitarist Yannis Philippakis. Rip Up The Road offers an intimate and candid exploration of the band's life, providing an unfiltered snapshot of one of the 21st century’s most celebrated British rock bands.

The film is, in essence, an anthology of the group's journey during their Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost world tour, which took place over the course of 2019. Entwined amongst the energy of live concert footage are personal interviews and behind-the-scenes moments that give viewers a deeper insight into the band members lives during this transformative period.

At the start, we see the band in the recording studio, and the viewer immediately immerses in the creative work of Foals. Edwin, Jack, and Yannis are caught up in the process of making music, discussing the nuances of song construction and weighing the implications of each note and lyric. The documentary takes time to explore each band member's unique viewpoint, offering insight into their respective roles and the dynamic within the group.

Moving past the recording studio, the film follows the group on the road during the Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost tour in various cities across the globe. From jam-packed concerts under the spotlight to private moments backstage, we get an opportunity to observe the band on a personal and professional level. We bear witness to the thrill of performing on stage and the exhaustion that comes afterward, every facet of the band's life on tour is laid bare for the audience to experience.

What sets Rip Up The Road apart from other music documentaries is its raw naturalism. This documentary avoids overly polished representations of the band while providing an authentic look into their creative process and the challenges and victories they experience on tour.

Throughout the film we get to see the band's charismatic vocalist Yannis Philippakis shine. He shares his thoughts on the music industry, the band's career trajectory, and the pressures and pleasures of life on the road. Jack Bevan, the band's rhythmic linchpin, has his journey and contribution encapsulated in the film as well, providing an insight into the beating heart of the Foals. Edwin Congreave, with his multi-instrumentalist talents, also plays a vital role in the composition and offers an insightful perspective on the band’s musical endeavors.

The effectiveness of Rip Up The Road also lies in its ability to capture Foals's evolution over the years. The band's energy, passion, and experimentation make them an intriguing subject for any music aficionado interested in the world of rock and the process of music-making on a grand scale.

On the technical side, the cinematography is remarkable, adding to the overall realism of the documentary. The shots during the concerts exude the palpable energy in the crowd and the band's electrifying performances, while the more intimate scenes are skillfully captured with a fly-on-the-wall approach that adds intimacy to these private moments without feeling intrusive.

The film’s music, naturally, is a highlight for any Foals fan. From raw, gritty studio sessions to full-blown stadium performances, the film offers a nearly tangible experience of the band's signature sound - a dynamic fusion of indie rock, dance-punk, and progressive rock layered with rhythmically complex melodies and introspective lyrics.

Rip Up The Road is not just for devout Foals fans; it's a documentary that can easily appeal to anyone who enjoys rock music, behind-the-scenes peeks into life on tour, and deep dives into the creative process of an acclaimed band. By delivering a mix of candid interviews, bittersweet backstage scenes, and blistering concert moments, the film manages to strip back the rock star veneer, presenting the members of Foals as dedicated and passionate musicians riding the rollercoaster of international stardom. It is entertaining, inspiring, and a must-watch for music lovers.