I first heard of Foster the People early one morning while laying in bed half asleep listening to an NPR interview with Mark Foster, founder of the group. The interviewer peppered the piece with clips of songs from the "Torches" album, which was just about to be released. I remember finding the tunes very catchy even in my half-dazed slumber. I made a mental note to listen to the album tracks more thoroughly on iTunes before making a decision to buy "Torches". I loved what I heard and quickly purchased the album here on Amazon. I've listened to it nonstop ever since it arrived several days ago. I'm really amazed that I'm so taken with this work particularly in light of the obvious fact that it is somewhere between shameless bubble gum and light pop. Some have called it "alternative", but I honestly don't see it. Anyway, I think my attraction to "Torches" is it's infectiously upbeat Southern California sunniness. It just makes me happy (even the relatively disturbing subject matter of "Pumped Up Kicks"). I think this band is going to be immensely popular for pretty much the same reason someone like Katie Perry is much loved - they put big smiles on the faces of their followers. They're not for everyone, but they're definitely for me! Torches
Five stars. Ten stars. A hundred stars. I regret giving five stars to anything in the past, because none of it approaches how mind-blowingly awesome this album is.
As others have said, Foster the People are masters of alternative/indie dance rock. I've seen the comparisons to MGMT and Passion Pit, but this is so much more. Those bands are midgets compared to this giant. Every single song on this album is a hit, better than any hit by any band of this nature in recent memory. Every. Single. Song. The beats and hooks are simply unbelievable.
This album will make you dance until you pass out. It will cheer you up when you are having the worst day of your life. It will make you drive fast and scream along in public, embarrassing yourself. If you listen to this in bed with headphones on, you will dance in your bed and wake up your significant other.
I am honestly grateful that this band exists and that I have found them. I have not felt this way about music in a long time - possibly ever. Buy this, and buy a copy for everyone you care about in the world.
This is a highly anticipated CD release by the trio of Mark Foster, Cubbie Fink & Mark Ponitus since forming the band Foster The People in the late 2009. This great effort CD release (10 tracks), titled 'Torches' opens with a solid track/gem/stand-out track "Helena Beat" : a techno-pop track with wonderful high pitched vocals & melody. This is my favourite track from this CD & hence the title of my review. "Pumped Up Kicks" is a great 'altered voiced' second track. Other great tracks include "Call It What You Want" (up-tempo track with great vocals & melody), "Waste", "I Would Do Anything For You" (beautiful vocals/keyboard combination) & "Houdini" (a techno-pop-dance track with some interesting whistling sounds). Okay tracks include "Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)", "Life On The Nickel", "Miss You" (rather 'noisy' music track with good vocals) & "Warrant" (up-tempo track with drum/techno sound/bass combination). The band is heavily influenced by alternative greats & dance/techno sounds producing interesting pop/dance sound. Foster The People debuts here with the CD 'Torches' to light up the way to a successful career from here henceforth, a recommended CD listening.
the music on this album is consistently good throughout. I'm sure most people will buy this album for "pumped up kicks", but I can't stop listening to "Helena Beat". It's all very atmospheric, but has a good beat; Perfect for listening in a relaxed setting or at a get-together. Why are you reading this? just buy it already.
Foster the People burst on to the alternative music scene when their first single, Pumped Up Kicks, began receiving heavy airplay in the latter months of 2010. The band's eerie take on the distorted reality of a latchkey kid and his subsequent attempt to command attention by wielding a weapon and delivering the ominous warning, "better run, better run faster than my bullet," piqued the interest of listeners and earned Foster the People instant notoriety. Their EP album was simply a tease, and it left their newfound devotees clamouring for more. The release of their first full length album, Torches, is the antidote to the feverish pleadings of their trip hop-craved following.
The group's global sound alludes to something like a fusion of MGMT and Passion Pit's signature electronica stylings, with a hint of Two Door Cinema Club thrown in the mix. The heavy hooks and infectious rhythms are practically begging to be absorbed with the car windows rolled down and the volume jacked up, whilst head bobbing and steering wheel tapping ensue. A combination of reverb-heavy synths and sleek instrumentation, in addition to the laconic delivery of alluring, intentionally repetitive lyrics, create dance-worthy tracks that are both accessible and instantly endearing.
Despite the fact that it is a debut album, Torches is certain to leave Foster the People deeply entrenched in the alternative landscape. Not all of the songs contain the magical elements that garnered the attention of "Pumped up Kicks," but they do coalesce to form a uniquely satisfying auditory experience. Furthermore, although there is a notable lack of diversity amongst tracks, they have established a formula that doesn't eagerly invite tampering. This is certainly a group worth following, as their raw potential is largely uncharted in an industry that seems preoccupied with providing easily digestible, ubiquitous pop to the masses.
The album is FULL of fun, danceable tracks, but the overall sound and tone falls in line with recent pop trends (Passion Pit). Since the album does not do anything revolutionary, I am only giving it 3/5 stars. I'd also like to make a correction. Many people and the band's Wikipedia page categorize them as "Indie". Unfortunately, if your songs are used in movies, on TV shows, commercials, video games, and you are on Columbia Records, you are NOT Indie. I'm sure this is a mislabeling case by the press or individuals online. I'm not sure if the band labeled themselves as "Indie". Regardless, I am in LOVE with this album and the band itself. Get the album and see them live.I saw them at the Austin City Limits Festival and they know how to put on a good show! :)'
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