Torches

Foster the People | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 23, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Columbia
• ASIN: B004UUKDNA
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (136 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #48 in Music > Rock
  • #59 in Music > Pop

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

74 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can't Believe I like It!!!, May 30, 2011

By 

Robert Byrd (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Torches (Audio CD)

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!

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Add Fire to the Flame, May 24, 2011

By 

Rachel (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Torches [+Digital Booklet] (MP3 Download)

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.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Foster the People is on fire., May 24, 2011

By 

Kyle Ballard (Chicago) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Torches [+Digital Booklet] (MP3 Download)

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.