In 1995 Dave Grohl returned with a new project and album, called Foo Fighters, following the death of Nirvana band-mate and close friend Kurt Cobain. Given his close connection with Kurt, and his avoidance of the media spotlight, this new album was pored over by many for any reference to Cobain or Nirvana.
Fast forward to 2023, Foo Fighters are arguably the pre-eminent rock band with their huge, stadium rock sound infused with punk energy and melodic sensibilities. But they return with a new album following a year of deep, personal hurt once more: long time drummer Taylor Hawkins passed away suddenly in March 2022, followed by Grohl’s mother Virginia only a few months later.
But that’s where the similarities end between that debut album and their latest, album eleven But Here We Are. Wreathed in white, it is an album coloured deeply by the bands loss and grief, there is no need to search deeper for any subtle reference – here Grohl and Co openly bear their souls.
Musically, Foo Fighters have rarely been this versatile, in previous efforts their sound would only deviate subtly. But here they go through all textures – lead single “Rescued” evokes the groups mid-2000’s material, with fizzy, catchy hooks, and large euphoric chorus. “Under You” too is reminiscent of earlier tunes like “Generator” and “This is a Call” with its effervescent tones, while “Show Me How” is draped in a moody, ethereal vibe.
But the stark difference is in the lyrics. “It came in a flash, it came out of nowhere,” Grohl declares on “Rescued”; “Pictures of us sharing songs and cigarettes – this is how I’ll always picture you,” he sings in “Under You”. This album grieves with a breathless honesty.
Yet But Here We Are isn’t bleak, it’s still packed with moments of quintessential Foo’s rock. But here it is poignant, and culminates with “The Teacher”, a reference to Virginia’s career, and “Rest”, that are both so earnest and heart-wrenching. This is without doubt Foo Fighters best since 2011’s Wasting Light, and we should cherish the fact it was made at all let alone be as lyrically and musically complete as it is.
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