Dave Grohl is back once again with his latest project, adding to his undeniably timeless catalogue of music.
In the last year the band have experienced the toughest of times following the tragic passing of legendary drummer Taylor Hawkins. It is transparent that many of these feelings and events that occurred played a pivotal role in the inspiration for the lead single Rescued, where the first line blares: “It came in a flash, it came out of nowhere” referring to the sudden cardiac arrest that subsequently led to his death. In this touching ode to the late rockstar we are reminded of their infectious sound and cleverly coordinated songwriting: this entire track uses the concept of being rescued from the grief associated with the death of loved ones.
The album continues with the second single Under You which alludes once again to the themes of moving on from loss. In this song Grohl is conveying his struggle and feeling towards this with the internal conflict being emphasised in the pre chorus where he states “Over it, I think I’m getting over it” only to in the next line deduce that “There’s so no getting over it.” The pain in the lyrics throughout the project is highly reminiscent of when the band were at rock bottom when they released The Colour And Shape in 1997. But this time it’s a different type of heartbreak to which we’re familiar by the monumental classic Everlong. Though it is often speculated that fan favourite My Hero was written about Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, this instalment acts as a more direct commentary which is especially prevalent in Hearing Voices. In this number Grohl keeps it simple but to the point, discussing the concept of just wanting to hear a loved one speak once more after also losing his mother while on tour last summer.
As with any Foo Fighters project, the production is spectacular. Their instrumentals are carried by heavy guitars and flamboyant melodies all to cater the raspy yet powerful echoes of Grohl’s exceptional vocal range. The title track boasts the impressive integration between various guitar melodies and drumming patterns which includes a sensational solo in the break just before the final chorus. Although they primarily opt for a heavier sound, the Foo Fighters are versatile as The Glass opens with acoustics before descending into a fueled rock ballad however in the outro they end as they start with the echo “I had a vision of you, and just like that I was left to live without it.” Here, they once again play with the idea of being separated from loved ones, looking through a glass acting as a witness to the unfortunate circumstances in which he experienced. Every track on this album brings something new to the table and despite it being all relevant to the shared theme of grievance, no song sounds the same. The Teacher plays with the ideology that trauma can lead to the disconnection between our present self and in this 9 minute long ballad Grohl shares thoughts towards the inevitability of death. Other tracks on here appear to also share how escapism has played a primary role as a coping mechanism to which is something many can relate to.
As the album draws to a close we are presented with what might be the most personal song on the tracklist. Rest is as beautiful as it is devastating, acting as a tribute to both Taylor and his mother who played the biggest inspiration towards his career as a musician. The hurt is heard especially within the imagery of “Waking up, bottom of an empty cup. Laying in your favourite clothes chosen just for you” sung in a melancholic manner that juxtaposes from anything else we had heard prior to this. Abruptly the drums and distinct sound returns for the main chorus where each line repeats “Rest you can rest now, Rest you can be safe now” which evokes every emotion through a farewell, painting a feeling so many of us will come to understand. The album ends on a high with the heartbreaking line “Waking up, had a dream of us. In the warm Virginia sun, there I will meet you.” Grohl appears to have made progress from where he stood at the beginning as he reaches acceptance stating that he will be reunited once again after life.
But Here We Are is a journey that packs a whole load of emotion within its concise 48 minute running time. It’s loud, real and above all so cleverly crafted, showing off a consistency that very few artists are able to match. Long term fans of the Foo Fighters will not be disappointed by the sheer excellence of this and share sympathy for Grohl who is a legend of the genre. Even though this is one of the most heartfelt goodbye’s, it’s likely that there will be more to come from them as this 11th chapter in their discography only continues to tell the story of one of the greatest rock bands to ever take the stage.