It may have been the fact that the lead single “Pumped up Kicks” had the same sound and feel of fellow indie-rockers Peter Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks”—that will leave some feeling cheated. Torches is an album that could be considered to be a bait-and-switch of sorts: those looking for another indie rock record that will not like the ’80s synth-pop vibe that runs through the majority. The debut album from Foster the People is a fluffy and fun offering that won’t be appreciated by those looking for another “Pumped Up Kicks.”
This article appears in Oct 27 – Nov 2, 2011.