FOO FIGHTERS: But Here We Are (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

The last year of Foo Fighters was marked by the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in March 2022, followed by that of Dave Grohl's mother in August. The band recently introduced the drummer who would replace him on tour, but it's Dave Grohl who holds the drums on the recording of this new album.

We're back in familiar territory, with catchy up-tempo anthems and slower ballads. The theme of grief recurs on every track, but the band doesn't wallow in self-pity. Dave Grohl had already, alas, composed a farewell anthem, 'I Should Have Known', in honor of his friend Taylor Hawkins, who overdosed and fell into a coma over ten years ago, on the album "Wasting Light".

"But Here We Are" opens with 'Rescued', a track with effective riffs that leave no doubt as to the band's determination not to be overwhelmed by emotion. After 'Under You', the band picks up the pace again with 'Hearing Voices', in which Grohl's voice unfurls majestically, putting the lie to what was once said (Foo Fighters was along with Hawkins, were the band where the drummer sang better than the singer, who himself was a better drummer than the drummer). The penultimate track, 'The Teacher', dedicated to his mother, drags on and on. The album closes with 'Rest', a beautiful way to close this album, that can be seen as a tribute to the two departed.

"But Here We Are" marks the band's return with a highly successful and inspired album. If you'd given up on the Foo Fighters, reproaching them for writing the same record over and over again, come back and listen to "But Here We Are", a real pleasant surprise and a fine tribute to the departed. - Official website

FOO FIGHTERS

BUT HERE WE ARE

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK