Let it be said that Dave Grohl can write a damn catchy chorus. Simple groundbreaking rock replenished with a heavy dose of rich vocal melodies was never a weak point for the Foo Fighters, and their seventh release, Wasting Light, with guest appearances by Bob Mould and Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, is no exception. The remorseful “Dear Rosemary,” the heartbroken “These Days,” the non-stop thriving of “Arlandria,” and the slow-moving misery of “I Should Have Known” recall the great mischievousness alternative bands once brought to mainstream audiences. A fully integrated Pat Smear (ex-guitarist for the Germs) on an opulent-toned vintage Hagstrom paired with mega producer Butch Vig’s (Nevermind) insistence on a deluxe analog version this go-round would have made for that perfect full effect, if not for the repetitive droning of build-ups that blend into the background every once in awhile. Drummer Taylor Hawkins and bassist Nate Mendel can’t help it: They want to rock too. The effort is mostly catchy with brisk intense undertones, but the guys either need to mellow out more thoroughly or commit themselves to a mega dose of much-needed speed. Either way, we can take it.
