Torches

Foster the People have touches of California sunbaked pop in their repertoire, but there’s also a dark Euro-disco groove lurking under the hooks of “Don’t Stop (Color On the Walls)” and the thick, goth-like wash of “Waste.” Singer Mark Foster plays and programs enough keyboards to give the songs a grand entrance, while other members contribute to the production to jazz up and space out tracks like “Miss You” and “Life On the Nickel.” “Warrant” works under an ambient haze. “Houdini” charges with an unforgiving groove, squeaky synths and a falsetto that reaches back to the ‘70s disco era.

With a few catchy singles, the demonstratively upbeat L.A. trio's first album dares you to categorize them, assess them, or even engage with them.

Check out our album review of Artist's Torches on Rolling Stone.com.

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Foster the People's 2011 full-length debut Torches expands upon the indie electronic outfit's '80s synth-meets-'60s psych pop sound.

There’s something very familiar about LA’s Foster The People. From the earwormy chorus of single ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ to the relentlessly buzzing synths, it’s all very MGMT.

This California trio make giddy pop for sunny days, writes <strong>Paul Mardles</strong>

Is there more to Foster the People than a bright summer hit? <strong>Michael Hann</strong> fears not

Torches Columbia ***