Album Review: Foo Fighters “Saint Cecilia EP”

Courtesy of Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters released “Saint Cecilia EP” on Nov. 23. The album is free to download from the Foo Fighters’ website.

Parker Reed
November 29, 2015

Beginning Oct. 28, the Foo Fighters’ website had a countdown toward Nov. 22. There were many theories as to what the band was counting down to, but when the countdown ended it revealed the band’s newest release: “Saint Cecilia EP.”

The EP was recorded at the Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas, on the band’s few days off in Austin while touring for their 2014 album, “Sonic Highways”.

This newest release shows the band drawing influence from all of their past work to create a collection of songs that is more raw than “Sonic Highways” but still features plenty of inspired songwriting.

“Saint Cecilia” opens the EP to a sound explored on “Sonic Highways,” more specifically on “In the Clear.” The foreboding introduction to the track opens up to a yearning chorus.

“Bring me some healing Saint Cecilia, carry me home to your house of broken bones,” sings front man Dave Grohl on the title track.

“Sean” and “Savior Breath” pick up the pace with some more aggressive riffs, and the latter track features some distorted vocals reminiscent of “Weenie Beenie” and “White Limo.”

“Iron Rooster” fits right in on the band’s 2007 release, “Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace.” Its acoustic guitar chords and toned-down tempo set a relaxing vibe and gives the listener a chance to breath before the finale.

“The Neverending Sigh” opens up with some atmospheric feedback before a driving guitar throws the listener straight into a wall of signature Foo Fighters sound. The final track pulls some influence from the group’s 2002 album, “One by One,” especially from the album’s closing track “Come Back.”

After a mysterious countdown, “Saint Cecilia EP” is a welcome surprise for any fan of this long established band. Much of the group’s previous work seems to have influenced the songs from this release, so everyone should be able to find something to enjoy from this release.

As a thank you to all of their fans, “Saint Cecilia EP” is free to download from the band’s website.

Recommended tracks: “The Neverending Sigh” and “Sean”