Photos and Review by Bethany Anna Packer
Show photos HERE
Riding the release of III, a preview of Foster the People’s upcoming album, the group recently set off on their summer tour, kicking off in May. The trek landed itself in Providence Wednesday night for a 95.5 WBRU hosted performance at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, followed by a second free surprise performance; who’s location remained a secret until the band announced it on social media just before doors at 7.
The L.A. formed alt rock band catapulted into the limelight in 2011 with their debut album, Torches, and their viral hit single “Pumped Up Kicks”, and released their latest album III after the announcement of their 2017 tour. The group’s reputation of putting on a killer live show preceded them and Lupo’s filled up early with a young and eager crowd.
A back drop of lights in geometric designs lit up as Foster the People took the Lupo’s stage. They opened with one of the three of their latest singles “S.H.C.” Mark Foster is an ever versatile front man, one moment describing Foster the People’s mission to do more than just playing good music, the next, simply putting on a killer show. “Helena Beat” from the FTP’s breakout album had the room moving and dancing to the up-tempo sound. The group continued to play a versatile mix of tunes from all three of their albums, including “A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon” and “Coming of Age” from the group’s second album Supermodel , and their newest hit “Pay The Man”. The venue erupted into a unified chorus as the first few notes of “Pumped Up Kicks” flooded from the stage.
The show seemed to end too early but whispers around the venue hinted that the night was far from over. Rumors that the group has been following their recent performances with a series of free small afterparties on their latest tour run, directed fans to Foster the People’s social media accounts. The group had in fact posted the secret location for the Providence after party just before doors had opened at Lupo’s on their Facebook page. The after party was hosted by a new venue to the Providence music scene, Alchemy, an intimate second-floor club and music venue that has swiftly been making a name for itself since opening in October as a happy home for Rhode Island bred artists. The cozy venue set the perfect scene for the small performance. Sets from DJ Marc Clarkin and Attleboro based punk band Neutrinos kicked off the afterparty, which ended in Foster The People playing a small set that felt like more of a house party than a concert. Performances of their hit “Don’t Stop (Color on The Walls)” and an energetic cover of the Ramones classic “Blitzkrieg Bop” were the highlight’s of the evening and the band closed the night on the stage with a round of shots delivered by venue owner Davey Moore.
The night turned out better than expected for many, and the intimate show among friends was the perfect surprise ending to a killer evening of music.
Foster the People at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel – Providence, RI
