If you pay regular attention to A-Track Music, then you are well aware of my excessively documented obsession over Foster the People and the anticipation of their newest release, Supermodel. Torches, Foster's 2010 debut album, was an indie pop rock smash, featuring the huge hit "Pumped Up Kicks", as well as other successful singles in "Helena Beat", "Don't Stop (Colour on the Walls)", "Call It What You Want", and "Houdini". The list goes on, as the debut only churned out 10 tracks but it will still go down as one of my favorite debuts of all-time. FTP found themselves in an interesting genre-bending position as they sounded almost like an electronic pop band, but seeing the band live tells you all about their prowess with a more organic sound. I have seen them twice already and I can safely say that they are one of my favorite live acts, and I cannot wait to see them again in May for the Radio 104.5 Birthday Show. But enough background, let's get to the album itself. I had the chance to hear a number of leaked tracks as well as the two singles actually released before March 18th, but I find it much easier to just go through the track listing so here goes. The album opens with "Are You What You Want To Be?", an absolute jam of an opener, as the beginning build-up and hook explosion make this song a perfect opener. A recurring theme in the album is the introspectiveness, but Foster doesn't let his frustration with our current day society affect his ability to craft a catchy tune. "Ask Yourself" is next and it is another self-reflective track with a foot-tapping acoustic backing that ultimately asks the question "Is this the life that you've been waiting for?" as Foster calls into question our society's tendency to become complacent with our lives. Lead single "Coming of Age" is next. Right off the bat I heard a newfound sound with this band, without stepping away from their roots. This track highlights the progress they have made as a band and what they've experienced, and is a perfect lead single describing the band's desire to come into their own. Fourth track "Nevermind" is one of my personal favorites, as the acoustic riff with overlaying synth gives off a melancholy feel while the lyrics have a hopeful undertone. This song is a big step in a new direction in regards to the band's sound, and I have absolutely no complaints. The album's second single, "Pseudologia Fantastica" is a synth electronic breakdown with a piano bridge in the middle that explodes back into the hook that makes this song an instant hit. "The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones" is 30 seconds of a heavenly gospel singing interlude that leads into "Best Friend", which is quite possibly the album's best track. It kicks off with a funky bass line as the song bursts into a groovy synthesized meltdown. There's even a slide whistle in there somewhere. This track is very reminiscent of previous tracks on Torches, and is sure to get anyone listening to start dancing. It reminds me a lot of "Pumped Up Kicks", as despite the upbeat instrumentation, the lyrics are about a best friend on a downward slope. Up next is Foster's most mesmerizing track to date, "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon", as they sample A$AP Rocky's "LVL" throughout the song (Yes, FTP sampling A$AP Rocky is the definition of a game-changer). The song itself gives me a very Radiohead-vibe as it breaks down into piano as Mark Foster questions the ideals that are brought upon him by society yet again. Post-modernism is a very relevant theme throughout the album, and this track is a perfect example of that. "Goats in Trees" is Foster's best acoustic Nirvana impersonation, with slight electronic overlays. "The Truth" is a wobbly drum-driven track with an uplifting piano chorus that features an interesting set of backing vocals. Finally the album finishes up with live-favorite "Fire Escape", a track chronicling Mark Foster's time in Los Angeles as he witnessed the dark under-dealings of the city. His testament is a beautiful stripped down track featuring just him and an acoustic guitar. Overall, FTP took the sophomore slump and hit it out of the park. This album is destined to be a smashing success and in my opinion will be the best album of the year. It already has my vote. Foster took a successful formula and redesigned their sound to show that this band is for real. I expect these guys to be a great band for years to come and this album signals an artistic turning point for a group that has no ceiling.
Tracks to Check Out: "Nevermind", "Best Friend", and "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon"
5/5 Stars
- Jared
Tracks to Check Out: "Nevermind", "Best Friend", and "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon"
5/5 Stars
- Jared