Paradise State of Mind

On the first Foster the People album in seven years, the band led by Mark Foster aims to channel the 1970s to help energize his band’s direction, and the result is an album that pays tribute to a number of styles but is indebted to none. Opener “See You in the Afterlife” is a disco thriller that pulls inspiration from Prince and Chic alike. “Let Go” begins with warm keyboard chords before a shuffling drum groove and guitar melodies that sound like a long lost Parliament outtake enter the fray. The band’s pop instincts are never far away, though, like on “Sometimes I Wanna Be Bad,” which shuffles along thanks to a dancing bassline and a horn part that ushers in a vocal melody that remains intoxicating, despite Foster’s morose lyrics. Even when Foster is at his lowest, the melodies the band conjures up lift the music to joyous heights. The sun is still shining, even when Foster sings: “Sometimes I wanna be sad and let the loneliness come and be my friend.”

Foster The People's numbers may have halved, but their sound is bigger than ever on Paradise State of Mind.

Foster The People's numbers may have halved, but their sound is bigger than ever on Paradise State of Mind.

After a seven year gap since their 2016 album 'Sacred Hearts Club', there is a profound feeling that Foster the People have created a record that, despite

After a seven year gap since their 2016 album 'Sacred Hearts Club', there is a profound feeling that Foster the People have created a record that, despite

Foster the People - Paradise State of Mind review: Find hope in the chaos of the universe

Foster the People - Paradise State of Mind review: Find hope in the chaos of the universe