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Foo Fighters

But Here We Are

Written by: PP on 01/10/2023 18:10:32

It's not unusual for the best albums to arise from tragic circumstances. Dealing with loss and grief is an incredibly potent force that can break you apart as well as bring you together. In the case of Foo Fighters, it appears to have done the latter. After losing longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins while on tour last year, the band canceled their remaining 2022 commitments and went quiet to mourn their shared loss (which was only amplified by Grohl having lost his mother, Virginia, the same day). Their eleventh full-length "But Here We Are" is the outcome of that reflection and heartache, an exorcism of unimaginable loss channeled into a beautiful alternative rock album that just might be one of the best ones of their entire career.

Here, the band takes a considerable step down memory lane and delivers softer, more alternative rockish music that nostalgically recalls material from their late 90s albums. Think "There Is Nothing Left To Lose" or "The Colour And Shape"-era. Dave Grohl's vocals are still wonderfully crackling and breaking as he croons out infectiously catchy verses and choruses, but he's singing them more than he is screaming as has been the case on the last few records. When combined with the deeply personal lyrics discussing all the different aspects of their tragic loss, the outcome is nothing short of breathtaking.

Take "Show Me How", for instance. Here is a silky-soft, almost balladic track that wonders out loud "where are you now...?" while Grohl's daughter Violet is providing smooth backing vocals in the process. My personal favourite on the record is the mammoth, ten-minute piece "The Teacher" with its endless "Wake up.... wake up..." chants. The sorrow and shock in Grohl's voice give me chills every time, not to mention that the song is incredibly catchy and rich in emotion as well.

Yet it is the banger, upbeat alternative rock tracks that are your immediate ear-catchers on the record. "Rescued", for instance, opens the record with shimmering guitars before signature-style Foo Fighters distortion wraps the song into a buzzing, driving vibe that allows Grohl to showcase his great vocals.

Likewise, "Under You" is like being reintroduced to "Learn To Fly"-era songs with its smooth alternative rock charm and an irresistible chorus. Together with the title track "But Here We Are", they offer stadium-sized, back-chilling memories that further cement Foo Fighters' place as the biggest rock band on the planet right now. Festivals and arenas alike, watch out in 2024!

The sheer quality of the songs makes "But Here We Are" the best Foo Fighters record since their 90s output - yes, even better than the magnificent 2011 album "Wasting Light". There isn't a single skippable track on the record, where every cut offers something special and memorable. The longevity and repeat-listening meters are off the charts, and in fact, we might just be dealing with the best alternative rock albums in at least a decade, if not longer. "But Here We Are" is a masterpiece - what better way is there to commemorate Taylor Hawkins than this?

Download: Under You, Rescued, But Here We Are, The Teacher
For the fans of: Queens Of The Stone Age, Incubus, Biffy Clyro, Filter, Bush, Hole
Listen: Facebook

Release date 02.06.2023
Rosewell / RCA