Photo by Jason Persse, via WikiMedia Commons
Carolina Barreto/Entertainment Director
Remember how in 2011 you’d want to turn the dial on your radio because it seemed that every time you’d turn your car stereo on, you’d hear, “Robert’s got a quick hand.” As soon as you heard, “All the other kids with the pumped up kicks/you better run, better run, outrun my gun,” your ears were hooked to the indie pop beats of Foster the People. Well their new release “Supermodel” sounds like “Torches” packed in ice.
Their single “Coming of Age” is not as infectious as “Pumped Up Kicks.” It has a vivacious beat, however it lacks a catchy chorus that can get stuck in your head. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a decent track. I just expected something different from Foster the People.
I anticipated heart-pounding rhythms that get me ready to go out on a Friday night. Instead, it is music to listen to as you do homework. If you want a sound reminiscent of the first album, listen to “Are You What You Want to Be?” and “A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon.”
Unfortunately after the incredible build up at the start of the song, “Are You What You Want to Be?,” it subtly fades with African instrumentation to set the calm, icy tone of the album.
The start of “A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon” evokes a Neon Indian sensation that is abruptly interrupted by alternative rock guitar riffs. The track is interlaced with grunge sounds of a CD being spun in reverse.
“The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones” is a 33 second interlude of gospel chanting.
“Fire Escape” is the closing instrumental stripped down track accompanied by a beautiful acoustic guitar and understated synthesizers. The vocals sound cozy like they’re in the room.