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Editorial Reviews
Torches, the highly anticipated debut album by Foster The People, is the soundtrack for an eternal summer. Produced by Paul Epworth (Adele + Florence and the Machine), Rich Costey (Muse + Interpol), and Greg Kurstin (Beck + Red Hot Chili Peppers), Torches delivers on both the promise of their breakthrough chart-topping single Pumped Up Kicks and the promise of this young band out of Los Angeles. "We just want people to feel better about their lives." The sound is universally uplifting combining influences from alternative's greats mixed with songs that make you dance. "Accessible yet challenging, gleaming yet gritty, pop yet petrifying: Foster The People are a fresh evolution of modern music." - NME
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
85 of 90 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
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!
30 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Download|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Download|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Foster The People release their debut "Torches"
The trio Foster The People have an interesting backstory. While the group officially started in 2009, their history prior to their current band goes back a little farther. Read more
Published 2 days ago by Lucky Sevens
Heard the songs on the radio? You don't need this CD
I seldom buy CDs anymore as I don't want to have to keep up with an ever-expanding collection, and because more often than not, most of the album is filler. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Lluewhyn
very good
the songs are well controlled and enough diverse although all in the same venue. very professional piece of work. Read more
Published 11 days ago by S. Sasic
Can't stop listening
Of all my recent cd purchases this gets constant replay! Just got this album last week and so far i have listened to it everyday and i'm not sick of it yet! Read more
Published 12 days ago by Trewthe
Torches Foster the People
Not many bands are able to put together a debut album that is this good all the way through. They seem to have found their own little place that is their own, the hardest thing for... Read more
Published 1 month ago by goozer
Good Album
Foster The People is a great group! I've listened to this album all the way through, and I enjoy almost every song. My favorite is Helena Beat.
Published 1 month ago by Daniel L. Bates
Sounds like MGMT should have... and that's ok
Torches sounds like what MGMT should have done to follow up Oracular Spectacular. If you didn't like MGMT's 2nd album and want more of the 1st, Foster the People will make you... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Glenn Strycker
Foster the People!
Great album we have been enjoying for months now. I guess the bands experience with writing commercial jingles makes them experts in crafting tunes that stick in your mind. Read more
Published 1 month ago by K. Farber
Foster the Recording Process
In summary, this album is great. It's short but a whopping 7 out of 10 tracks are strong.
My only complaint is how they choose to mix/record the treble throughout the... Read more
My only complaint is how they choose to mix/record the treble throughout the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Frederick House
Foster the People
Awesome album! Haven't gotten to side B yet because side A is Soo good. I recommend this album to anyone with any music genre interest! buy it now and enjoy! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Steve
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