Foster The People – 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 its challenging and at times dark journey is one of optimism and insight with a groove that will make you want to dance just like their mega hit single ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ did in 2010. As lead singer Mark Foster candidly explains, they wanted to “Make something that rang true to what was on my mind, but that had this much groove and that would be fun to dance to. You know, to me, they’re like Trojan Horses, the message is hiding in the melody”. They will be getting into the groove in the UK later this month, playing two intimate shows at Rough Trade East and Kingston Pryzm. 

On second track ‘Lost In Space’ they delve into a deliciously dreamy soundscape, the ethereal vocals burst like shooting stars over a pulsating Daft Punk-esque bass line and chorus interspersed robotic vocals to fantastic effect. Let Go feels like a languid, psychedelic trip and again ponders the wonder of the world poetically with lyrics like “The world is looking up/ Higher than it’s ever been because I’ve just let in”, hypnotic in their delivery. 

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‘The Holy Shangri-La’ is a slower, deft change of pace truly showcasing the impressive bass with an acid jazz tinged solo closing out the song brilliantly. Title track ‘Paradise State of Mind’ is a poignant ode to the unknown world we’re currently living in as lead singer sings ‘Distracted by the existential questions of my future’, highlighting the confusion we feel superbly in its sentiment. 

Lead single ‘Chasing Low Vibrations’ demonstrates a band peaking in lyrical maturity, the opening stream of consciousness observation “Time is moving faster when I’m counting down the days” finding Foster The People in introspective mood, the philosophical mood complimented perfectly by a gentle, groovy bass making it an album highlight. ‘Paradise State of Mind’ is a coming-of-age record, a band lyrically at the peak of the powers who will take you somewhere to ponder and dance in another dimension.

8/10

Words: Brendan Sharp

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