Fresh Beats: Song reviews for Foster the People and more
Nicholas Friedman // Staff Writer
Foster the People – “Coming of Age”
After releasing 2011’s “Torches,” accompanied by its lead single “Pumped Up Kicks,” Foster the People returned to the studio in attempt to prove they weren’t just another one-hit wonder. Now the band is back with the lead single off its upcoming sophomore release, “Supermodel.” “Coming of Age” is a solid track that combines the ‘80s-infused melody from their earlier material with a new—albeit safe—sound. The band should have taken a greater risk with this song with the hopes of recreating the magic of “Torches” tracks “Houdini” and “Broken Jaw.” Instead, the song at times sounds like an odd combination of spacey guitar riffs and vocals similar to U2 material. It’ll be interesting to see how it translates this sound into a cohesive work, when “Supermodel” releases on March 18.
+ 80s-infused melody
+ U2 influence
– Too safe for a band with such recognition
– Lacks the magic of earlier songs
Rating: 2.5/5
Listen if you like: fun., Two Door Cinema Club, The Kooks
Childish Gambino – “III. Telegraph Ave (“Oakland by Lloyd”)”
Spitting raps under the pseudonym Childish Gambino, Donald Glover has released three independent albums, three mixtapes, countless singles and his second studio album, “Because the Internet,” this past December. The album journeys inside the mind of someone known only as “The Boy” and track seven is the calm before the storm. From an intro that simulates getting into the car and turning on the radio to the killer hook, Gambino is able to tell the story of a kid who is in love but can’t commit, reflecting upon his fear of life. With an improved vocal range, tight flow, and a banger for a chorus, “Telegraph Ave” puts you right in the passenger seat of the car and takes you on a mellow ride that is pure joy to listen to.
+ The intro by Lloyd
+ Absolutely blissful
+ Gambino’s improved vocal range and rapping
– The rap seems alone and lost at the end of the track
Rating: 4.5/5
Listen if you like: Chance the Rapper, Schoolboy Q, Macklemore
The Glitch Mob – “Can’t Kill Us”
Three-piece electronic group The Glitch Mob first caught numerous ears when creating a remix album for the soundtrack to “2011’s Tron: Legacy” where they produced an absolutely entrancing take on Daft Punk’s “Derezzed.” With this in mind, it was exciting to hear that its finally making music again, and that’s when I came across “Can’t Kill Us,” the lead single from their upcoming release “Love Death Immortality.” Put simply, this track is a first step for the direction the group is taking with the new album. It’s booming, it’s loud, and it immerses you in what is hopefully the concept for “LDI.” The track would not feel out of place as the back ground music to a major motion picture because of the attention it demands from your ears. The Glitch Mob deserves attention, and maybe your money when the new album drops on February 11.
+ Booming, loud, and immersive
+ Provides insight to an interesting concept
– There isn’t more of it
Rating: 5/5
Listen if you like: Knife Party, Wolfgang Gartner, M83
Feature photo: Graphic by Nicole Arnold / Visuals Editor
There are no comments at the moment, do you want to add one?
Write a comment