WORDS RYAN WOODFORD
FOSTER THE PEOPLE
“PARADISE STATE OF MIND”
OUT VIA ATLANTIC RECORDS ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
PRE-ORDERS AVAILABLE NOW HERE
Breaking onto the scene, back in 2009, ‘LA’ based band Foster the People are back after a 7 year gap since their last album release with their brand new fourth studio album ‘Paradise State of Mind’ and is set for release on 16th August, 2024. Although the band have released a few singles throughout those 7 years, this is their first studio album since 2017.
The Pumped Up Kicks quartet will want to push for a stronger return to form after their previous release ‘Sacred Hearts Club’ which received mix reviews when it was first released back in 2017.
I’m elated with the direction the band have taken with this record, I was also taken back a little too, I think the disco-funk approach is very much welcomed and I very much enjoyed it from start to finish. This album’s first half is bold, it’s kind of one big party, inviting you in to dance, let go and choose life. The second half of the record, it starts to slow down accordingly, almost the come down after the party shall we say?! Allowing you to unwind and experience the albums conclusion in a more relaxed manner.
Opening track ‘See You In The Afterlife’ is an incredibly fun start to the record, Nile Rogers esque guitar parts run throughout the track, complimented with some 80’s inspired keyboard sections. This track really sets the tone for the album and signals a rather different approach.
We carry on our disco journey with ‘Lost in Space’ which is another feel good, dance track. It’s funky bass line running throughout the track, this number wouldn’t be out of place in a nightclub! Some wonderful backing vocals are present and is another reason to bop your head and tap your feet.
‘Take Me Back’ continues with another groovy bass section but an ever so slightly slower pace. Mark Foster sings “Fall in love with yourself again, like we did when we were children”, which is a heart-warming message.
You can hear shades of Tame Impala on this record especially with Kevin Parker like vocals on fourth track ‘Let Go’.
Fifth track ‘Feed Me’, yet again has wonderful bass sections running through it accompanied by Mark Foster’s superb high pitched vocals!
‘Paradise State Of Mind’ is the perfect slow jam and soundtrack to a fine summers evening stroll.
Third single ‘Chasing Low Vibrations’ and penultimate track on the album, the band are singing harmony’s in unison and it’s a rather steady, slow burner.
Last song ‘A Diamond to be Born concludes the album with almost isolated vocals and does pick up pace slightly and finishes with a rather cinematic ending.
There aren’t many weak moments on this record, I thoroughly believe these album of songs work well together as a whole and are sitting tight.
I will certainly be adding this to my record collection and I think you should too!
8.5/10
Genre
Indie / pop
Tracks to Listen To
1/ See You In The Afterlife
2/ Lost In Space
3/ Take Me Back
4/ Chasing Low Vibrations
TRACK LISTING
1/ See You In The Afterlife
2/ Lost In Space
3/ Take Me Back
4/ Let Go
5/ Feed Me
6/ Paradise State Of Mind
7/ Glitchzig
8/ The Holy Shangri-La
9/ Sometimes I Wanna Be Bad
10/ Chasing Low Vibrations
11/ A Diamond To Be Born
CONNECT WITH FOSTER THE PEOPLE
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
