Not the catchiest album title in the world then – most of us are going to ask ‘have you got the new one by The Foo Fighters’ – but don’t let that put you off. In many ways this is one of the best Foo albums and maybe it’s no coincidence that the band have once more hooked up with producer Gil Norton, the man responsible for their acclaimed ‘The Colour And The Shape’ album back in ’97. 

Whatever the reason for this reunion it’s been worth it. Grohl can do no wrong in the eyes of some but even he needs a soundboard. On ‘ESP&G’ (no I’m not typing ‘Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace’ out again – oops, I just did) there is a maturity to the Grohl songbook, matched by performances that almost take this to classic album territory. 

Almost… 

Of course there is no such thing anymore with all this download malarkey. But it is nice to hear an album that actually hangs together as if it were at least trying to be remembered as such. Grohl goes through the whole range starting with opener ‘The Pretender’ (the first single off ESP&G). He then sets about a sort of ‘history of rock’ guiding the listener through sophisticated modern metal styles, acoustic Led Zep interludes and bizarrely even a Paul McCartney sound-alike on the old Joanna. (Thankfully its Macca circa The Beatles and not the bleedin’ ‘Frog Song’!) 

The good news is that there isn’t a duff moment. No signs of the sameness that has blighted many a FF release in the past. No filler tracks. No skipping through to your faves. Just Grohl and his band delivering the goods as it should be. This is an album for all moods and all seasons. My only criticism is the pacing, as things almost run out of steam two-thirds of the way through. Thankfully guitar’s are back on stun for the album’s conclusion.    

They say variety is the spice of life – this album proves it. But also top marks to producer Norton for bringing cohesion to The Foo Fighters’ camp and editing the Grohl songwriting pen in all the right places. One of the better albums of 2007.

Let us know your views on Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

 Track Listing

Pretender
Let It Die
Erase/Replace
Long Road To Ruin
Come Alive
Stranger Things Have Happened
Cheer Up Boys (Your Make Up Is Running)
Summer's End
Ballad Of Beaconsfield Miners
Statues
But Honestly
Home
Once And For All

Line Up

Dave Grohl - Vocals/Guitars
Taylor Hawkins - Drums
Nate Mendel - Bass
Chris Shiflett - Guitars