Album review: Foster the People's 'Torches'

People just seem to find Mark Foster. The severely cheekboned singer-producer was first championed as a solo artist as an underling of Dr. Dre. But after snagging a major management deal as a virtual unknown, a sold-out residency at the Echo and a career-pivoting Coachella slot for his inspirationally monikered synthpop project Foster the People, the band finally has an album to go with all the early looks.

 “Torches” hits with the same indie-nerdy danceability as their peers in Passion Pit, but with a pleasantly laconic delivery. The reputation-making single “Pumped Up Kicks” cakes Foster in Strokes-y vocal distortion atop a loping synth bass; “Houdini” has a Blondie-worthy bomp and giddy little house pianos. Electronic-informed music can often go off the rails with experimentalism, so it’s nice that Foster keeps his ear on sharp pop songwriting and crisp productions. But much of “Torches” doesn’t aim much higher than being a fizzy soundtrack for windows-down elbow tans. Which is fine, but for all his ease at getting attention, hopefully Foster will want to command it more thoroughly.

Foster the People
“Torches”
Columbia
Two and a half stars (Out of four)

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Comments

[kevincorcoranjr]

i personally think this is sort of a botched review. Classifying the album into a "nerdy" category is pretentious. I actually don't receive that vibe at all... I think that it is a masterpiece of poppy hooks and dancy grooves. I do agree that it is a windows down... sun shining kind of album. I've actually been telling all my friends that it is going to be the soundtrack of my summer! Anyway, I think the album is great!

[STALYON]

Mark Foster is a man who has sought after his dreams with a dying passion to inspire others on a musical journey & adventure that with the help of a solid platform of artist MANAGMENT has siezed the moment of opportunity to share his music with the people. With SOLD OUT shows and releasing there very first album, FOSTER THE PEOPLE are on fire! Biased as Mark is a good friend it's no mistake thousands are showing this once indie band support. Download the album today and findout for yourself. This is epic! Rock & Roll is back!!!!!!! Woot!!!