Review: FOSTER THE PEOPLE - Shepherds Bush Empire London
20th November 2011 - A sold out Shepherds Bush Empire last night saw the emphatic return to the UK of one of the best new bands of the year - Foster the People.
I first saw the band in May, performing at Kings College, just before their now huge worldwide hit 'Pumped Up Kicks' came to light.
Back then they were great, and they have now improved, becoming even more energetic and tighter in their delivery of their set.
Opening with an early track of theirs and still a crowd pleaser, 'Houdini' had the audience singing along, to set up the evening with huge impact.
With more tracks from their debut album 'Torches', they have a sound similar in style to The New Radicals, which can only be a good thing.
'Call It What You Want', which is Foster The People's new single, went down a treat, another crowd sing-along, with its catchy chorus and great riffs.
Finishing the 50 minute set with Helena Beat, no Foster The People gig would be complete without their trademark tune 'Pumped Up Kicks', and the boys came back out to deliver two versions, one being the single we all know and love, and the second being a fantastic dance version.
The only problem with the gig tonight was the excessive use of strobe lighting. It is constantly being used throughout most songs, and it isn't needed, as it blinds the audience and distracts from the bands performance.
Other than that, Foster The People showed that they are the ones to watch this year and next. If you get the chance to catch them live, do it!
Foster The People are touring the UK & Ireland until the 28th Nov, and all gigs are now sold out.
More worldwide dates on www.fosterthepeople.com