Buzz is a confusing word, really. Incessant, aggressive hiss isn't what one hears when a band abounds with so-called buzz. In actuality, the sound heard when a band is "buzzing" is more akin to the pained moans of pissed-off would-be ticket buyers when they realize that they're seconds too late to grab a pair of passes to some hot young band's upcoming show.
And, over the past few months, such angst-ridden gnashing of teeth can be heard all over North America, thanks to the flurry of sold-out Foster the People concerts taking place. The Los Angeles-based trio, who many seem to want to simply term "this year's MGMT," indeed share the knack for danceable pop that avoids being too sugary for its own good. But, unlike the duo that brought headbands back into style a couple of years ago, this one isn't afraid of dealing with an electric feel.
Their album, Torches, and specifically the tunes "Pumped Up Kicks" and "Call It What You Want," indeed recall MGMT's Oracular Spectacular. And with "Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)," the guys blend the aforementioned party tunes with the psychedelic groove-swirl of MGMT's Congratulations. Better yet, they manage to do it on one album.
