Foster the People put on an AMAZING show at the Merriweather Post Pavilion
(in Columbia, Maryland) on June 10
th, 2012. I had seen them in
Richmond at The National last year, but this was almost like seeing them for
the first time again. Maybe it has something to do with all their new
experience, like a 2011 summer tour, a 2012 spring tour that includes 23 stops
(we were there for the 7
th stop), a performance at the 54
th
Annual Grammy Awards, and their recent performance at Bonnaroo.
The Kooks opened up and gave a straight forward, lackluster
performance. That’s not to say that the band was lackluster – after 8
years of performing they still put energy (can’t with all certainty so “their
all” though) into their songs, but that’s still somehow not quite enough.
And they don’t have a whole lot of interaction with the audience outside
of saying thank you for coming and singing Foster the People’s praises for
letting them tour with them. And guys (the band and who ever helps set up
their stage show), the bright lights are alright but not when you’re just
waving them around the stage and into the crowd (thanks for the eye damage).
Put up a banner or something! Promote yourselves and give the people something
else to look at besides a black curtain. And maybe wear something other
than jeans and t-shirts. Although I’m sure a lot of fans appreciate that
kind of humble consistency. It was just my first time seeing them (and
hearing some of their songs) and I would’ve appreciated feeling something
more/having something else more stirred inside me than foot tapping and head
bobbing.
Now I have to admit, part of the reason (to be read “the only reason”) I
went up there to see Foster was because it had been presented to me as Foster
the People and Kimbra. From that I assumed that Kimbra was going to have
her own full set, and I was super amped for that. She is such a unique
artist who most people only refer to as “that girl from the Gotye song”
(despite having at least 2 CD’s under her belt), so I was very excited to see
what she could do. Her voice – wow. Her style – love it. Her
energy – you can tell it’s there. So much potential. But neigh, it was
not meant to be. She was only there to perform WITH Foster the People,
and even then it was only one song and you could barely hear her. Bummer.
But she was cute and I at least got to see more of her crazy fashion sense.
But Foster the People already had a strike against them in my eyes when they
came onto the stage (since I was expecting Kimbra). Imagine that, being
disappointed to see the headliner come out lol. But hey, I couldn’t help
it. But they went right into it and all was forgiven.
They played the crowd pleasers as well as a slower song that you could tell
meant a lot to them as a band, but maaaay have put the crowd to sleep a little
bit. But they also played an unreleased slow track that managed to hold
my attention and keep the audience awake. It was a really good song, and
I wish I knew/remembered the name (an on-line search WILL be done). Sadly
I don’t think they played “Helena Beat” which is my faaaavorite song.
(But for all I know they might have played it and I missed it, as I was
distracted for one song by an altercation with a classy.. oh wait I mean wasted
concert go-er that was annoying me, my friend, and about 4 people around
us.)
But what really blew me away and demolished any question as to whether or
not it was worth it to go to a concert 2 hours and 40 minutes away from
Richmond was “Pumped Up Kicks”. I had planned to leave during this song
as it is beyond played out and I had seen it in concert already. But
instead, I think the memory of that performance will be my new mental happy
place for a little while. Of course the band delivered the song with
their usual talent and energy, but unlike the Richmond show it turned into a
big bright party on stage. I can’t even describe everything that was going on
(but I’ll try). They had pretty rainbow lights (which I’m a fan of –
shiny
J)
that I don’t think anyone can resist getting extra energy from. They had
Kimbra and some of her entourage/band come out on stage to help dance.
They had an extra drum battle/break down. They had lots of
confetti. They had giant inflated dolls on both sides of the stage.
They had a guy in a black mask with fire for hair come out of a suspended sun
on the stage and dance and throw stuff at the audience. They had a
friggin’ party and we were all invited. I loved it.
If you haven’t seen these guys live yet, entertain the thought. And
there was a lot of talk about their next album. I know it’s hard and you
write your first album (book, movie, etc) your whole life, but I hope it’s at
least as good their first if not better. These guys seem to be the real
deal. I have faith in their talent and longevity.
I didn’t take any video as I am without an actual camera and my phone sucks,
but I hope my camera phone pics do them justice. Ch-ch-check, check it out.