Two sold out LA dates in July along with making the bill of massive music festivals world wide had the line for this free show at Amoeba Records in Hollywood down the building and around the block. After getting through bullshit LA traffic and making it to Amoeba 2 hours prior to Foster the People‘s set at 6:30, I just had my hopes set on getting in. They began to slowly let in the seemingly endless line around 5:30. Filled with fans of much anticipation to see the biggest thing to hit KROQ since Audioslave’s “Like A Stone.” Hahah I’m not entirely sure about that, but I haven’t been tuning in recently. As they filled in the aisles of the store, the excitement began setting in. Foster’s equipment was up and ready to go, and they placed us dead center a few rows back. It was only a matter of time before the sound of banter would be substituted with tracks I’d been itching to hear live off Foster’s latest album Torches, which had just been released the day before.
I had never been to Amoeba for one of these free shows. The whole experience was very fresh, and I just sat back and observed, waiting as the clock ticked towards 6:30, and the aisles got closed one after another. So many different people. Hipsters, teens, bros, greasers, hispanics, babies, blacks. It just goes to show how approachable these guys’ music is and how it can bring everyone together. While in line earlier, Amoeba reps had everyone sign off all their info to enter for a chance to win gift certificates, a huge poster of the new album cover, and the opportunity to meet the band. At 6:25 the announcer yelled out my friend’s and my name as the winner, and let me tell you, there is no better way to start a show with knowing that you’ll be able to thank the band for everything afterwards.
After being 30 minutes late at their Coachella debut only to be booed through their intro, one can only assume they’d do everything to avoid that from happening again. The boys strutted on stage right as the clock struck 6:30 and were greeted with the utmost satisfaction from all in attendance. They went straight into their set, starting off with “Warrant,” the closing track on Torches. I love this track and I think it’s a great opener if you’re familiar, but they should have started with “Houdini” or “Helena Beat” just to get Amoeba going. Of course, saving “Pumped Up Kicks” for the middle or last song. Needless to say my crew and I were already tearing up the aisle as Foster went through various new tracks off the album. I took time in between recording videos to admire their live recreations of tracks I got so used to hearing. And inevitable dance breaks with my friends ensued, despite a less than energetic Amoeba. The multi-instrumentalist band performed with 5 members, yet only consists of the three main guys. They needed that whole team otherwise there’s no way they’d get that same live sound. Everyone switched between keys, synths, guitars, singing, and banging on drums. One of the guys got down with the cowbell and I’m pretty sure that’s about the time Amoeba put their dancing shoes on,a and I can’t blame them! The highlight of the day was “Pumped Up Kicks.” I know how overplayed that song is, but it still just doesn’t seem to do any wrong. At the middle chorus Foster stopped playing and singing as all of Amoeba chanted together:
“All the other kids with the pumped up kicks better run, better run, outrun my gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks better run, better run, faster than my bullet!”
Seriously awesome all around. They played a full and complete set for us for free. I wanted to start an encore chant but I knew it was asking for too much. After it all was said and done, my friend and I went to collect our respective prizes and got to meet the band for a signing. Real stand up dudes and I couldn’t stress how happy for them I was. We’ll meet again at Outside Lands. No way Witler and I are gonna miss them there. I got videos of two of my favorite new songs from their album that you can scope after the jump. Be sure to support them the next opportunity you have! They deserve it.
Foster the People – Color On the Walls (Don’t Stop)
WINNERS!
