There are few bands that have managed to both pass the test of time and consistently release fresh, compelling music—as opposed to falling into the trap of formula or caricature. One gleaming example of a group that meets this criteria—and then some—is the Dave Grohl fronted rock band, Foo Fighters. Since their debut record in 1995, they have solidified themselves as one of music’s most enduring, authentic, and widely beloved rock bands both for their nine studio albums and for their reputation as a tour de force live act.
Unfortunately, the Foos, like most bands, have been unable to take to the stage this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans were understandably disappointed as a slew of shows that had been planned to celebrate the group’s 25th anniversary were cancelled. That being said, their followers still have some news to be excited about.
This past weekend, Foo Fighters appeared on Saturday Night Live with the debut of a new song, “Shame Shame,” which confirmed that their tenth record, Medicine at Midnight, is imminent. Further, Dave Grohl has revealed that the album will explore a somewhat new sonic territory for the band: party music.
As Grohl told NME, the new record is “more energetic in a lot of ways than anything we’ve ever done and it was really designed to be that Saturday night party album.” While preserving much of the mystery, he gave fans a bit of an idea as to what he means. Apparently, the title track will be reminiscent of David Bowie’s classic “Let’s Dance.” Foo Fighters traditionalists will also be glad to know that, in the midst of the experimentation, there will be at least one song, “Waiting on a War,” which is “the most recognisable [sic] song off the album as Foo Fighters.”
Medicine at Midnight is slated for a February release, and it promises to be more glorious, unabashed rock from a group that has proven to never be content with just phoning it in. Also, though the return of live music seems, realistically, still on the distant horizon, Foo Fighters fans can be certain that when the time comes, Dave Grohl and the gang will come out of the gate firing on all cylinders—as they have for the last twenty five years.
In his own words, “To be honest, being away from it for six or seven months, not seeing the guys and having instruments in our laps, getting back to the rehearsal place and playing together to no one was just the best feeling in the world. When we get back and once it happens that we walk on stage to an audience, I have a feeling it’ll be the best show and the best feeling the band’s ever had.”
Party on, Foos!
