I want to start this EP review with a little info on Foster, because most likely you have never heard of them. Yay for those that have already, bonus points to you. The band hails from New Jersey, and I’ll admit, sound along the lines of another NJ band: Hidden In Plain View. The EP was recorded and produced by Matt Squire, who has worked with bands like Thrice, Northstar, The Receiving End of Sirens, and Head Automatica. They personally had it pressed, released it in Spring and booked their own summer tour with Houston Calls (Rushmore Records) to promote it.

The first time I listened to this EP, I had mixed feelings about it. About an hour later, I could not help but push play again. There are only 4 songs, so I found myself listening to it in it’s entirety about 5 times in a row while browsing the web. The next day, right after waking up, I put the CD on again, and came to the conclusion that I really like what Foster has created. And maybe even a little addicted.

The entire EP reminds me of rainy days. I thought that was kind of weird, but blamed it on the (at the time) overcast weather. Now as I look at the packaging, I note that the front cover has a man holding an umbrella. And it has a pretty cool packaging, by the way.

“Speakeasy” is a great way to start off the CD. It starts nice and slow, giving you time to take in the sounds. A little over a minute later, and you get more energy. Around 2:40, you get even more energy, shortly followed by a pretty cool guitar riff. One more burst of energy and the song is over. I think it’s pretty cool that they were able to make the song change tempo’s, and did not end with the beginning tempo.

The second track on the CD, “Through and Through” is a great song. I really like how the second (or, for the final chorus, third) “I break when you bend” is sung during each chorus. This song is a pretty lively-sounding song, but the lyrics are not bunnies and rainbows.

I just love the lyrics to “Trying To Raise The Dead.” I find that the vocals and instruments go great together. It is my personal favorite out of the four. I see this as a song that is very “crowd friendly.” Meaning, it seems like a song that the lead singer could stick the microphone towards the fans for everyone to sing along.

“Goodbye’s Graces” is a good song, with some ok lyrics, but it is not the best. I wouldn’t skip this track while listening to Foster, but I don’t think I would skip the other songs to get to this one.

I have noticed, with most EP’s, there will be maybe one good song, two mediocre tracks, and one lame duck that is seemingly just shoved on to take up space. I find Foster’s EP, totaling at a little over 14 minutes, to be contrary. I would say it is two really strong tracks, one strong track, and one mediocre. I give Foster’s EP a grand total of 4 1/2 out of 5. Good Job Guys :)

www.FosterNJ.com
www.purevolume.com/foster



Label: N/A
Release: April, 2004

Track Listing:

01. Speakeasy
02. Through And Through
03. Trying To Raise The Dead
04. Goodbye's Graces

Rating:



Review by: Candice