Review
“Torches” by Foster the People, which came out on May 23, 2011, is such a fun mix of indietronica and dance-pop. Thanks to the massive hit "Pumped Up Kicks," the album really made its mark in 2011, moving from modern rock to mainstream radio. Besides "Pumped Up Kicks," other singles like "Helena Beat," "Call It What You Want," "Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)," and "Houdini" also stand out. Critics generally liked it, giving it a decent score and praising its catchy, danceable tunes that remind me of MGMT and Phoenix.
Commercially, "Torches" did amazing, reaching number eight on the Billboard 200 in the US and topping the charts in Australia. It even got certified platinum in several countries. The album was recognized at the Grammys with a nomination for Best Alternative Music Album in 2012, and "Pumped Up Kicks" earned a nod for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. "Torches" feels like a summer fiesta with its energetic vibe, catchy melodies, and diverse styles, making it a memorable listen. - Sofia
Artist Bio
Foster the People is an indie pop and rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 2009 by Mark Foster after he spent time as a commercial jingle writer. The band broke out in 2010 when "Pumped Up Kicks" became a viral hit, eventually earning them a spot on the charts and leading to a deal with Columbia Records imprint Startime International. They’ve put out four studio albums, experimenting with psychedelic and synth sounds alongside their core California pop vibe, and their work has appeared in everything from commercials to video games. In 2020, they released an EP recorded during the pandemic, reflecting personal and global themes. Fans of groups like MGMT, Passion Pit, and Portugal. The Man will likely find Foster the People’s style familiar.
