It has been nearly three years since Foster the People released their debut album, “Torches,” which featured a unique pop-like alternative sound that propelled the album into gold certification and a peak position at eight on the Billboard 200 album charts. On March 18, Foster the People released their heavily anticipated follow-up album, “Supermodel.”

“Supermodel” is a clear sign that Foster the People has moved away from the pop-like, upbeat, alternative jingles that characterized “Torches”, as “Supermodel” presents a much more mature and authentic alternative sound. While the sound on the album is different than “Torches,” it is not bad.

The album has a very experimental feel to it. The track “Pseudologia Fantastica” features an interesting combination of piano and electronic coupled with a varying range of vocals, while the song “Nevermind” features acoustic guitar in the background paired with other instruments to produce a more ‘typical’ alternative sound.

The opening track is “Are You What You Want To Be?” It features an African shuffle rhythm, which was one of lead singer Mark Foster’s biggest influences during the recording of the album.

According to Foster, some of the other influences include British rock bands The Clash and The Kinks. These grittier rock influences can be heard in the tracks “Coming of Age” and “A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon” which both feature heavier guitar riffs.

The band somewhat retains its original sound in “Best Friend” which features Foster’s high vocals and an upbeat bass track similar to one featured in Foster the People’s breakout single “Pumped Up Kicks” from their first album.

Although bands are often criticized for changing their sounds, Foster the People’s shift away from pop music and more towards alternative music on “Supermodel” does not diminish the quality of their music. “Supermodel,” which Foster says is a concept album representing his negative views towards popular culture, features a wide range of musical styles, which clearly shows Foster’s atypical approach to songwriting. It’s definitely worth listening to.