A decades-long career that has withstood addiction, band member departures and separation from record labels. A catalog that includes albums that are arguably pillars of 2010s indie pop. An adoring fanbase that packed a 5,000-capacity theater on a weeknight and were just as excited to sing along with the deep cuts as the big hits. This is the house that Mark Foster built as frontman and founder of Foster the People, who opened their Good Mourning Sunshine tour in Phoenix on one of the biggest stages they’ve played in recent years.
The more literal house was the onscreen backdrop that served as centerpiece of the set design, a kaleidoscope of color and graphics reminiscent of old video games. In the same nostalgic vein, a handheld video camera dangled from the ceiling as if waiting to shoot a home movie- and Foster would grab it so his pixelated face appeared on screen. The house also had an enclosed space with its own lighting rig and a platform right where the roof appeared, like it was an onstage playground and the band wanted the audience to get the sense of fun from the jump.
And it was a fun show, from Goth Babe’s easygoing sunny pop through the last notes of “Pumped Up Kicks”. The performers were engaging, the crowd felt like a true cohort, and the setlist was a surprise to even the most determined social media sleuths. A few highlights: We got a live debut of “Static Space Lover” and the return of songs that FTP hasn’t played since 2021 (“Life on the Nickel”) and even 2018 (“Goats in Trees”). Foster’s voice was clear and strong, falsetto carrying. Isom Innis created the signature pairing synths that make the group’s sound so distinct. And the live band was dialed in after months of rehearsals and intentionally curating the set and feel for the tour.
No hiccups, no tech malfunctions, and no setbacks — especially impressive for the first night of a run — just the beloved songs by a beloved band who’s still going strong when so many of their peers have stepped away. They’re still trying new things but also have the confidence of earlier wins to propel them forward. It’s not unlike the largely millennial fanbase who will eagerly dance the night away with them any chance they get.
