Review Summary: 'Wasting Light' is a resounding example of what the 'Foos' are capable of.
Ah Foo Fighters, a band which have literally experimented with everything capable within the rock/pop genre. In some cases, this was a good thing, with releases such as 'In Your Honour' and 'The Colour and the Shape' (the definitive 'Foo' album.) However, their release prior to 'Wasting Light' ('Echoes') was, to say the least, trite. You can respect the 'Foos' attempt to experiment, but 'Echoes' just showed everyone that they had moved too far from their 'thrashy' and aggresive roots, into a more melodic/radio friendly tone. Having said this, you needn't fear, the 'Foos' latest release really does get everything right....seriously.
Dave Grohl promised 'the most aggressive 'Foo' album' prior to 'Wasting Light', and, I have to say, the opener 'Bridge Burning' really does mirror this point. With 'thrashy', aggresive and catchy riffs throughout, 'Bridge Burning' really shows the world that Grohl and co. certainly haven't hit a mid-life crisis, instead, it shows a return to their 'punkish' roots. From aggresive to melodic comes 'Rope', one of the best 'Foo' single releases I've heard in a LONG time. This is one of the reasons why 'Wasting Light' is on par (if not better) than 'The Colour and the Shape', it mixes the 'Foos' 'new' soft tone with their 'thrashy' and abrasive 'old' material. For me, the stand out track on 'Wasting Light' is 'White Limo', it is, quite simply, a treat. The song was the first single release off the album, and for good reason; it really does kick you where it hurts. It's almost a 'Weenie Beenie Part 2', with a heavy and catchy riff played throughout, coupled with Grohl's rough and raw vocals, it really does remind old time 'Foo' fans of their earlier releases and that they are still capable of creating heavy music.
To put it simply, 'Wasting Light' is the best 'Foo' release since 'The Colour and the Shape'. It mixes 'old' and 'new' 'Foo' effortlessly, and to great effect. It is a breath of fresh air and has been released just at the right time, in time for summer. You will find yourself blasting this album to your hearts content whilst the sun glimmers in the sky, it really makes you value music for what it is.
To conclude, Dave Grohl and Co. remind us of what they are capable of and release an album that will stay long in the memory for 'Foo' fans and music fans alike. Its all killer, no filler, and it really is killer!
