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 track details an eerie account of a latchkey kid, whose distorted reality leads him to wield a weapon and deliver the ominous warning, "better run, better run, faster than my bullet." The song's upbeat and cavalier style, which bears a striking contrast to the sinister lyrical content, piqued the interest of listeners and earned Foster the People instant notoriety. However, 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. Torches [+Digital Booklet]
Torches is an apt album title for a band that is burning up the charts right now. You can say this band sounds like groups who have pioneered a similar sound such as MGMT, Passion Pit, or Yeasayer... but I would argue this band is different in that they temper their sound. They go to that edge of experimental, but they don't go over it. The result, is nothing short of perfection. You can call it radio friendly, or shallow, but I challenge you to actually listen to the lyrics and understand that there are many layers of sound and complex, thought-provoking lyrics to back it up. This group is here to stay, and at the rate they are going, they will be headlining across the world very soon.
It's been over a year since "Pumped Up Kicks" was first playing on a few of the stations I listen to, and it's finally a part of an album. You have no idea how happy I am about that.
What's even better is that the whole album is pure *awesome*. If I were a more musically-minded reviewer, I'd go into detail of each song's sound and the overall effect of the album, but I'm the other kind of artist and mostly my opinion condenses down to "amazing." I've been listening to this on repeat all day, and I've yet to get bored. I initially tried to list the particular songs I loved, but it soon became clear that I enjoy the entire album in a way I very seldom do.
If you liked "Pumped Up Kicks" and/or "Helena Beats" & "Houdini" from the EP, you definitely want to download the rest of the songs.
I like this album, but I am really not in love with the fact that I just payed $8 for it. The titles on the "Foster the People EP" make up 1/3 of the full length album (verbatim... no re-mastered or re-mixed tracks here), and they are BY FAR the best tracks on "Torches".
I'm left with a feeling akin to when a movie preview shows all the funniest jokes in a film... especially when I consider that the 3-track EP (Houdini, Pumped Up Kicks, and Helena Beat) cost me $5 on Amazon (a practically unheard-of per-song price).
In conclusion:
- If you own the "Foster the People EP," DO NOT pay full price for "Torches".
- If you've never heard of Foster The People, buy Torches and ignore whatever else you see out there.
My frustrations aside, Foster The People has put together some great tracks and I look forward to seeing where they go from here.
It's frustrating (not to mention unhelpful) to read reviews written by people who expected this album to sound like another band's work and then were disappointed when it didn't. This album is fun and catchy and listenable all the way through, but none of the other tracks stand out the way "Pumped Up Kicks" does. Neither do many songs written by anyone else, for that matter. That one is definitely something special, but give this album a couple listens and you'll see that all these songs are pretty great. As with anything truly original, it takes a listen or two to really understand, but once you do, you'll see that these guys have serious potential. I look forward to more from this band in the future.
Obviously, pumped up kicks drew me to listen to this album. I was surprised how upbeat and catchy most of the songs are. Although I usually wouldn't listen to music like this, there is just something about it that keeps you coming back. The more I listened, the more I like all of them. My current favorite is "I Would do Anything for You." I love the piano line, how abruptly it ends, just perfect.
Great stuff, but give it time. If you're looking for 8 tracks of pumped up kicks, you're in the wrong place.
I don't think there's a bad song on here. It's easily one of the best albums I've heard in 2011 - refreshing, light with sweet beats and catchy choruses. Every time I put it on in my car I want to drive for miles with the windows down and the tunes cranked up. Well done. - Dance Pop - Pop - Music - Mp3'
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