Foo Fighters : Are Playing Where??? Vol. I

When was the last time a Foo Fighters album was really all that good? At first they were the little band that could, with the drummer from Nirvana trying to do his own thing after Kurt Cobain checked out permanently. That debut was culled from 4-track recordings that the drummer in question, Dave Grohl, recorded on his own while passing the time as being the stick man in the world’s biggest rock band. But when it all disappeared in April of ’94 Grohl decided to see what he could do with his own band under the name Foo Fighters. Turns out, he could do quite a lot.

Foo Fighters ruled the second half of the 90s and well into the 2000s with guitar-heavy rock and roll, combining punk rock swagger, 70s arena rock might, and a real pop sensibility. That self-titled, The Colour and the Shape, and There Is Nothing Left To Lose were all pretty much bulletproof. Big hooks, bigger screams, and just the right amount of radio-friendly vibes to put the Foos and Grohl at the top of the heap.

But from that moment each successive record(with the exception of 2002s One By One) seemed to be more of the same, but without the raw rock appeal of what came before. Add to that the Dave Grohl oversaturation factor and they went from indie rock darlings to the guest that wouldn’t leave. Movies, docs, special guest appearances, and just a sense that you couldn’t turn in any direction without your buddy Dave being there to remind you he’s your favorite rocker/cool uncle.

With the sudden death of Taylor Hawkins in 2022 the future of Foo Fighters seemed up in the air. Add to that Dave Grohl’s surprise “other” family and the Fighters’ name was pretty much mud. I guess to show us that Grohl and the Foos are still in the game we have Are Playing Where??? Vol. I, a surprise live EP with 6 songs culled from the band’s latest surprise live shows this past year. It consists of 5 songs from the debut record, as well as “White Limo” from Wasting Light. It’s a loud and aggressive set of Foo Fighters at their heaviest. It’s a fun listen, but I’m not sure it changes much.

You hit play on the Foos latest live EP and you’re greeted with guitar squall of “Alone + Easy Target”, a Hüsker Dü-worshipping mid-90s rocker with the band hitting every note as if their life depends on it. “Exhausted” sounds great as well, reclaiming some of the rock and roll cred the band lost with snore fests like In Your Honor, Sonic Highways, and Concrete and Gold. And “Weenie Beanie” is all bratty screeches and rock and roll that borders on heavy metal.

The rest? “White Limo” is still fun and overindulgent, while they close it out with the great b-side “Winnebago”. The ride ends in just under 25 minutes. It’s a solid set of Grohl and Foo Fighters at their loudest and best. A reminder that despite mediocre records and tarnished reputations, the Foos can still rock.