Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace   

Foo's find the fire once again

Over the course of the Foo Fighters' first four albums, it certainly appeared that they could do little wrong as the band's popularity increased with each release. It put the band in a position where they could do as they pleased and they did just that with their fifth effort, the split personality like double effort from 2005 titled In Your Honor. Reactions were mixed amongst fans and press alike, although it did see the band explore their gentler side via a series of intimate acoustic shows around the world for the lucky who were able to secure tickets. Two years on from that bold release, and it seems that vocalist/guitarist Dave Grohl, guitarist Chris Schiflet, bassist Nate Mendel and drummer Taylor Hawkins, have rediscovered the formula that put them where they are today in the form of Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace.

It may be a quiet first few bars of The Pretender, but it isn't long before Grohl and Co. bring the rock in tried and true Foo fashion. It's a scorcher of a lead track and an obvious and excellent first single that is every bit as good as the likes of All My Life (from 2003's One By One). Although it takes much longer to leap into life, Let It Die follows a similar game plan and is no less successful either, whilst Erase Replace rocks from beginning and Long Road To Ruin has a vibe very much in line with the band's self titled debut album. Come Alive is a little different to what the band have done in the past but it will shine as brightly as the band's previous gems soon enough.

The band reprise their recent acoustic adventures via the excellent Stranger Things Have Happened which adds more variety to the album prior to the group once again rockin' out in fine form with Cheer Up Boys, Your Makeup Is Running and the southern swing of Summer's End. Australia's Beaconsfields Miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb who were trapped almost a kilometre underground for two weeks are once again acknowledged by Grohl in the form of the acoustic instrumental The Ballad Of The Beaconsfield Miners, whilst the vague Ben Folds Five meets The Beatles like Statues shows the band trying something else outside of their comfort zone. As much as But Honestly rocks the house in the latter stages, there isn't anything to it that makes it stand out here whilst the longingly sung piano ballad Home winds the album down to a close.

For the most part, the Foo Fighters have been consistent from album to album although that consistency was to a lesser extent over the course of In Your Honor. There is something about their sound, their style and their ability to craft a collection of damn fine songs time and time again and Echoes, Silence, Patience And Grace is certainly no exception to the rule. You know what to expect and it's just like putting on your old favourite comfy pair of shoes that feels just right.

(Roswell Records/Sony/B.M.G. Music Australia)

Added: November 30th 2007
Reviewer: Simon Milburn
Score:
Related Link: Official Website
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