Raise your Torches for Foster the People!

Torches is the title for the LA native indie band, Foster the People. Lead singer, Mark Foster has definitely used his past experience with writing commercial jingles to come up with some extremely catchy tunes on their album. They are mostly known for their #3 single "Pumped Up Kicks," but this album has so much more to offer than 1 song with a catchy baseline. Give it a try and you will fall in love with the lyrics, use of uncommon instruments and crazy vibe they give off. Definitely one of the best albums of 2011!

1. Helena Beat (8/10)

The first track on the album starts with a crazy instrumental and a pretty catchy verse. Although it is radio-friendly and fun, the song is a bit drowsy and boring. It gets much better towards the end. It is definitely not one of the standouts on the album, but it's a great start!

2. Pumped Up Kicks (9/10)

Yes, yes; the song that ended 2011 with a bang! Pumped Up Kicks is the song that made Foster the People almost a household name. Who knew a song about homicide would get so much attention? With an extremely catchy baseline and a smooth, chill feel, it isn't rocket science to figure out how this song did so well on radio.

3. Call it What You Want (9/10)

Although the opening music and the chorus are amazing, the verses are a bit dragging. I get this song in my head constantly and even with a chorus just repeating the same thing over and over again, repetition does make for a good song.

4. Don't Stop (Color on the Walls) (10/10)

One of the best songs on the album, it is hilarious, fun, and carefree. Not much can really be said about this song except that for such a simple 3 minute track, it is a masterpiece. "Crayons on walls/we'll color on them all/until we've broken every law" should be the lyric to live by.

5. Waste (7/10)

After two fast-paced, crazy songs, Waste slows things down. I'm torn between this song because the lyrics make me want to sob t my pillow but the song is just so...boring. I wish they would have done something more with this track.

6. I Would Do Anything For You (10/10)

This is another slow song, but this blows Waste out of the water. With random piano riffs, a groovy chorus, and a strange xylophone breakdown at the end; it all makes the song unique from everything else on the album. This is another one I listen to constantly and have in my head.

7. Houdini (10/10)

Time to speed things up! "Sometimes I want to disappear!" has to be the best lyric on the album. After a short verse and pre-chorus, the song breaks down into a cool techno synth part that later adds horns. This is the danciest song on the album and you can't stand still during it. Perfection!

8. Life on the Nickel (10/10)

I didn't used to care for this song much and skipped it a lot, but recently I gave it a listen and now I'm obsessed. Another extremely catchy chorus and random cartoon noises everywhere. It is slower, but I know I dance to it in the mirror. Definitely one to check out!

9. Miss You (9/10)

This song is based mostly on drums and a good beat. It doesn't have many lyrics, but it is unique. There isn't a chorus, but it is replaced by a sweet drum solo with a synth in the background. It's very basic, but still gets me grooving!

10. Warrant (9/10)

After you get past the minute long intro of angelic voices, the song really gets good. The chorus keeps repeating "Got to get away/from the war inside my head" and at the end, it just feels like finally he breaks free. It goes through many changes, from the angelic singing to the regular song to the bridge where it seems like he's trying to break through. At the end, he finally does and the song takes off. This is a very lively song and a great album closer.

Overall, this album is based mostly on synths and drums with little guitar (except in Don't Stop). I cannot wait to hear more from this band. Their music is contagious and amazing. I think they have more good things to throw at us in the near future.