Foley’s sophomore album, That’s Life, Baby!, is a confident step forward for the New Zealand indie-pop duo, proving that Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett are more than capable of not only creating infectious pop melodies but also telling stories that embrace life's unpredictability. Across ten crafted tracks, the duo leans into the euphoria and messiness of human connection, reflecting on love, friendship, and self-discovery with a refreshing lack of pretence. While their debut sought answers, this record revels in uncertainty, accepting chaos as an inevitable part of the journey.
Sonically, That’s Life, Baby! refines Foley’s signature groove-driven sound while pushing into bolder, more dynamic territory. The title track flips the perspective on unrequited love, shifting the narrative to the person who just isn't feeling it. Fever—its counterpart—channels disco energy into the other side of the same emotional coin. “We started with the idea of dating as purely selfish and fun—not doing anything that you don't want to do just to save someone's feelings. At the end of the day, we all fall in love, and it doesn’t always go to plan—that's just LIFE babyyyyy,” and they are right.
Tracks like Heartstrings indulge in pop sensibilities, while others experiment with layered production. Foley cites influences like Prince and Charli XCX, and that fusion of retro funk with modern pop futurism is evident throughout. What makes That’s Life, Baby! stand out isn’t just its polished sound, but its attitude—there’s a distinct shift from optimism to an unapologetic embrace of reality. Foley isn't trying to navigate life’s twists and turns anymore; they’re celebrating them. "We're accepting the messiness, the chaos, and the joy that comes with everything," they share.
That sentiment is evident not just in the lyrics but in the production itself, where groove takes centre stage, giving each song a vibe that’s impossible to ignore. With their expanding global presence and an energetic live presence, Foley is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. That’s Life, Baby! solidifies their place in indie pop as artists building their way to success. It’s a record that captures the highs and lows of being young, navigating relationships, and embracing life in all its messy glory. And, more importantly, it does so with confidence.