Live Review: Foster The People, Gang Of Youths

Punters assemble to catch whatever Splendour In The Grass action they can, even a post-festival Monday night sideshow way down south in St Kilda. Gang Of Youths dance about bumping into each other during Poison Drum, walls of hair bouncing over their faces obscuring their vision. The band appear intimidated by the enormity of Palais Theatre’s stage, but they cover the space nicely with epic, guitar-swinging dance moves. A simmering solo cover of Bruce Springsteen’s I’m On Fire fulfills lead singer David Leaupepe’s stated boyhood dream of singing it live onstage and he does it justice, even though the band look a little awkward hanging back, fidgeting and sipping beers throughout. 

Heavy, loud distortion signals the arrival of Foster The People, this indie-pop explosion transforming the stage into a slick, nightclub dancefloor. Frontman Mark Foster busts a funky sideways shimmy first up and then pops and bounces along with Jacob ‘Cubbie’ Fink’s funky bassline on Best Friend. The seriously versatile man and band switch instruments throughout the show, changing their sound constantly from synth-heavy pop to guitar-rock to offbeat, percussive reggae. Foster in particular easily nails lead vocals, synths and a few ripping guitar solos. He effortlessly pops out quick riffs on Coming Of Age before ditching the guitar, strutting back and riling up the audience. Call It What You Want brings the crowd-pleasing pop tempo while Miss You channels a cheap nightclub vibe with flashing strobes and bad, robot dance moves.

When Foster The People leave the stage, the audience screams and thump the backs of their seats. The band bounce back on for their encore with The Truth. Next then deliver an oddly lacklustre performance of massive hit Pumped Up Kicks (like they can’t be arsed). The lights dim down to barely flash and the crowd put more effort into the catchy chorus than even Foster does. Foster then says, “There’s something different in the air. Whatever you’re going through, it’s going to be okay. It’s just on my mind and I want to say it.” The band pep up again to finish with bouncy, fun track Don’t Stop (Color On The Walls), yet the weird feeling that things took an odd turn lingers within a few puzzled punters.