Foster the People kick things up at MTelus

The crowd roared as the lights dimmed and the stage filled with haze, welcoming Foster the People on stage. After a 7-year absence from the city, the band was back in Montreal’s MTelus to promote their newest album Paradise State of Mind. 

Founded in 2009 by Mark Foster and drummer Mark Pontius, the band initially went by the name Foster & The People. People misheard the name as Foster the People, but it stuck ever since. The indie-pop band caught the attention of the masses in 2010 with their viral and breakthrough song “Pumped Up Kicks”.

“Helena Beat”, “Take Me Back”, “Coming of Age”, “Houdini” and “Sit Next to Me” brought the summer vibes back to the city in the middle of what seems to be a never-ending winter. Mixed in was the nostalgia of the band performing songs from their four studio albums, old and new. 

The band offered a true light show both on stage and throughout the venue. With a light setup placed behind them, graphics and lyrics that matched the songs were displayed on them. The lyrics of the chorus of “Call It What You Want” and “Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)” were projected, emphasizing them. “Lamb’s Wool” and “A Diamond To Be Born” felt like a mesmerizing, out-of-body experience paired with a string of light being projected onto the ceiling.

From "See You In The Afterlife" to "Glitchzig", Foster The People demonstrated versatility in their new album but also as artists. 

Sat in seat D19 on the balcony, I had a perfect view of the stage. Foster showed a strong stage presence, but he could’ve interacted more with the crowd. My spot also allowed me to see the people in the front row roaring with energy throughout the night; however, that energy didn’t seem to translate to those above seated.

The band closed the night with their viral hit “Pumped Up Kicks”. The pumped-up energy could be felt throughout the venue (even on the balcony), ending the night on a high.