When asked about an alternative rock band’s messaging, most would expect it to center around hatred of the patriarchy or love of jeans. But Foster the People’s 2025 tour and latest album, “Paradise State of Mind,” encapsulates united hope for the future.
Foster the People, a techno-alt music powerhouse, stopped at the House of Blues while on its Paradise State of Mind Tour alongside Good Neighbours Feb. 22. Seven years had passed since the band last came to Boston, and it was ecstatic to finally be back in the city of champions.
Despite the band’s notoriety, only a few attendees decided to line up outside the venue early, some as early as 10:40 a.m for the 7 p.m. show. Many did not feel the need to wait since the tour offered a VIP package including a signed poster, custom tour shirts and the opportunity to enter the venue 15 minutes before general admission.
As fans settled into the venue, perusing the merchandise and treating themselves to a drink, opener Good Neighbours took the stage in an explosion of sound, color and acoustics.
Good Neighbours is an on-the-rise indie duo from Britain most known for its TikTok hit, “Home.” TikTok may have given it a jumpstart to popularity, but the band showcased its versatility with acoustic guitar, keyboards and voice-manipulating microphones.
Green, orange and aqua lights dazzled the audience as singer Oli Fox and guitarist Scott Verrill invited the crowd to groove and enjoy their array of songs, from the stellar notes of an unreleased song to the bittersweet lyrics of “Daisies.”
Fox bantered and cheered with the crowd, telling them how excited they were to be in Boston alongside Foster the People. They encouraged the crowd to sing along and mimic the ‘la la las’ of their song “Bloom,” fueling the lively atmosphere.
The synergy between the duo was magnetic; they exchanged smiles and laughed among themselves as they each jammed out on their respective instruments. As Fox jumped across the stage, the crowd couldn’t help but dance and cheer.
The crowd hushed as an eerie blue glow coated the House of Blues and Foster the People took the stage. Ghostly notes from guitars, drums and a synth filled the space as lead singer Mark Foster stepped onto stage. Suddenly, a brilliant purple glow immersed the audience into the heavenly opening of “Lost in Space,” from the band’s newest studio album. Ecstatic screams erupted from the crowd while the band made its grand entrance.
Those cheers only doubled as the backdrop of lights radiated orange and white gradients as the band transitioned seamlessly into “Helena Beat,” a popular song from the 2011 “Torches” album.
Foster the People lit up the stage with their excited presence, matching the energy of the crowd as they swayed and danced in unison. Foster took some time to read individuals’ signage and thank them for gifts, such as a custom hollowed-out book decorated in honor of the band’s song “A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon.”
Members traded places throughout the stage to manipulate different instruments, the most complex being the elaborate sound system manned by Isom Innis. Innis, a founding member of Foster the People, flitted across the multi-instrument monstrosity. The system consisted of drums, an electric drum set, three keyboards and a sound board.
For technically complex songs like “Houdini” and “Waste,” Foster migrated to the elaborate sound system and collaborated with Innis. Innis would navigate the soundboard while Foster played the keyboard and sang.
Foster also reminisced about his favorite uncle, who inspired him to begin making music by gifting him his first personal computer, and connect with the audience. He said that “Paradise State of Mind” was not about pointing fingers but about hope, just like how his uncle gave him hope to pursue his passions.
Foster welcomed the audience to sing along to “Call It What You Want” and “Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls).” The background wall of light flashed the lyrics in time, allowing the crowd to easily chant the respective refrains.
As Foster the People exited the stage, the crowd clapped for an encore. The band reappeared within minutes after as the iconic tune of “Sit Next to Me” began to play.
Foster the People closed the show with its most well-known and Grammy-nominated song, “Pumped Up Kicks.”
The crowd shouted the lyrics in time with Foster, mimicking his excitement by waving their hands in the air or taking videos. Some opted to dance with their neighbor, spinning each other around.
As the last notes faded into silence, the crowd erupted as the band took its bows after the amazing performance.
Many had not had the chance to see the band in years, others experiencing Foster the People for the first time. No matter the category, the audience contentedly drifted out of the House of Blues, snapping selfies, showing off their set lists and hoping they could see the band perform again soon.
