Album Review: FOO FIGHTERS – WASTING LIGHT

 

I won't proclaim to be the most fervent ‘Foo Fighters’ fan and in truth, they are probably at the 'heavier' end of my music listening spectrum (along with ‘Sex Pistols’, ‘Queen of The Stone Age’, ‘ Them Crooked Vultures’ and ‘The Clash’). That said they are a frequent listen on my play list and one I hope to catch live at some point this year. There is no denying that, Dave Grohl is a rock messiah. He is one of the best in the business…the consummate rock band front man. The ‘Foos’ seemingly reached the peak of their powers with 2007 release, ‘Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace’. An album idolised by those who listened and further embraced by some fairly important engineers in the art of rock - Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones (who took the stage with the ‘Foos’ at sold out Wembley Stadium shows). That made it official; ‘Foo Fighters’ became one of the biggest bands in the world.

A couple of years on various other projects and the ‘Foos’ were ready to go back to their roots with their seventh album. With Butch Vig producing (first time that Grohl and he have worked together since ‘Nevermind’ in 1991) and exclusively using analog equipment in Grohl’s garage in Virginia, points to a more laid back ambiance. Not to mention that this is a band with nothing really left to prove or fulfill other than their own principles and love of the game that they are in. They have released as many or more records than the likes of ‘Nirvana’, ‘Black Flag’, ‘The Clash’ and ‘Queens of the Stone Age’ (to name but a few).

‘Wasting Light’ is a cracking record and already being regarded by many as their best yet (I’m still undecided on that, but find it hard to argue against it at this point). This offering is the direct result of masters of their craft combining to deliver a rock album of which the music masses will, I am sure, bawl their approval. Produced by Butch Vig, with significant cameos from Krist Novoselic and Bob Mould, and the return of Pat Smear, it’s kind of hard for this one not to grab the attention.

The opener, ‘Bridge Burning’ is a fantastic start to the new album. It’s energetic with mind blowing guitar (a consistent theme throughout the album) and a shrilling, Dave Grohl. It sends out a message to the listener, a message that, “I need to listen this album in its entirety”. This is followed by a ‘Rope’ with chilling guitar riffs and death defying drum beats. ‘Dear Rosemary’ which follows is probably my favourite track on the album (following four listens to the release).  It’s very melodic, has a great beat and vibe and backing vocals from Bob Mould (best known for his work as guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with Husker Du and Sugar) supplement the song impeccably. ‘White Limo’ is a thrilling QOTSA meets Faith No More kind of roller coaster ride. This has Pat Smear’s signature all over it.

The fifth track ‘Arlandria’ harks back to ‘Nirvana’ sounds with Grohl beautifully exuding his lyrics “you are not me, Arlandria, Arlandria, you and what army? Alandria”. The slower burning, ‘These Days’ is a tad more melodic but no less vitalising as it ascends in to a rocking little tune. ‘Back and Forth’ is perhaps the weakest song on the album…a bit poppy for the ‘Foos’ in my humble opinion. Not bad, just not great. We get back to the outstanding guitar and cracking little melodies with ‘A Matter Of Time’. It’s the kind of ‘drive faster’ tune that I love. ‘Miss The Misery’ is quite simply the type of ‘Foo Fighters’ sound that we have readily come to expect and that’s just fine with me. ‘I Should Have Known’ would have been a great closer if they didn’t have an even better one up their sleeve. A balladry intro with the accompaniment of strings has me thinking ‘The Beatles’, ‘Skin and Bones’ and ‘Everlong’ at the same time. I can almost picture Grohl banging this one out in the Garage in which the album was recorded…it sounds raw and real. To be deemed a better closer than the previous track is a tribute in itself. ‘Walk’ is a blissful sounding track and probably encapsulated the 2011 ‘Foos’. “I never wanna die! I never wanna die!” Grohl howls. I believe him and who wouldn’t in this vein of form.  As I said in my intro, he’s one of the best in the game and long may he continue making this high standard of music. Wasting Light is a must own. Rating 8.5/10.

Bridge Burning

White Limo

Dear Rosemary

Walk