Los Angeles-based Foster the People released a little ditty called ‘Pumped-up Kicks’ back in August (give or take) 2010. It was a synth-happy and rock-enthusiastic number with violently tongue-in-cheek lyrics. However, this captivating pop song now finds itself nestled in-between two bland tunes on the band’s self-titled debut.

Much like Ou Est Le Swimming Pool and Passion Pit before that, Foster the People bring together a mix of synthesised beats and falsetto vocals to create feel-good dance pop songs, with a touch of the unoriginal. As you listen to these three tracks over and over, it is a struggle to decipher any qualities that truly define them from one another, or even define this band as anything particularly special. It is hard for me to say that, because on first hearing ‘Pumped-up Kicks’ I thought I had found a new band I could be excited about.

‘Houdini’ is a meshing of different keyboard noises and a marching mix of drum beats and hand claps; a description that reads as fun and highly appealing. However, listening through to the end of ‘Helena Beat’ brings a realisation of complete boredom.

Despite my love of ‘Pumped-up Kicks’, a whole album of this would have to be excruciating to get through, trying to untangle the songs from one another. Much to my disappointment, Foster the People’s debut ep is lacking in creativity, the song writing is stale and reconstituted. It will get the masses dancing, but as far as continuing the calibre of clever pop I had assumed of the band initially, Foster the People is another drop in the ocean whose taste will change in six months’ time.

Review Score: 4.5/10