By Maggie Miles | August 23, 2024
📸: shot by by Nicole Guillen
Last Monday, we grooved to the electrifying vibes of Foster the People at Bowery Ballroom. This wasn’t just any gig—it was a celebration of their new EP, the first in seven years, and it turned out to be a monumental night. The venue, last graced by the band in 2011, was buzzing with anticipation, filled with both longtime fans and new groovers ready to catch the fresh and nostalgic tunes.
The show kicked off with “Love the High Low,” a track that oozed funky vibes reminiscent of a Prince-like spectacle, sprinkled with a dash of an Atari video game. From the get-go, the band had everyone hooked, with synths sparkling and drums hitting every beat with precision. The night took a thrilling turn as they rolled out two brand new songs, adding a modern twist to their signature sound, followed by a throwback to a fan-favorite from their 2009 debut album that had the entire crowd singing along in joyous nostalgia.
The standout of the evening was “See You in the Afterlife,” a funky synth rhythm that had the lead singer channeling serious Mick Jagger charm, backed by a band dressed in dazzling uniforms, groovin’ in perfect unison. The performance was a masterclass in stage presence and audience interaction, reminiscent of the glamorous 80s rock ‘n’ roll era.
Amid the perfectly choreographed light show, the familiar drum intro of “Call It What You Want” reverberated through the venue, ensuring the vocal harmonies were nothing short of spectacular. For those of us who hadn’t listened to Foster the People since high school, the band absolutely blew it out of the water, proving their timeless appeal.
The energy of the night was palpable, with every new track like “If You Want Me Just Say It” turning the venue into a sing-along haven. The band’s performance was a rollercoaster of emotions, from high-energy bangers to intense, soulful ballads, showcasing their evolution while staying true to their roots.
As the night drew to a close with a spiritual jazz-infused “Is Anybody Out There?” complete with a sax solo, the band thanked the crowd, reflecting on the seven-year hiatus from EP releases and reminding us to steer clear of false narratives. For those who missed this epic night or want to relive the magic, check out their full setlist on [Setlist.fm].
Connect with Foster The People on Instagram, Spotify, and their website.
📸: shot by by Nicole Guillen
