MIDDLETOWN - Foster the People is partially credited with helping reshape the workings of the modern day pop song. Following the international success of Foster’s debut LP, Torches, spearheaded by the monstrous hit single �"Pumped Up Kicks,” we’ve come to expect nothing short of greatness for the follow-up LP, Supermodel.

       For its sophomore effort, Foster brought back producer Paul Epworth, who produced a couple of songs on Torches, to take the helm of Supermodel.

       Supermodel takes us on a more worldly journey than Torches. While Torches was studio ladened, Supermodel incorporates sounds from all over the planet, a factor of the relentless touring the group did behind Torches. African rhythms open the LP with â€�"Are You What You Want to Be?” as spanish guitars weave through the journey of finding out who you are on â€�"Nevermind.”

       â€�"Pseudologia Fantastica” is an electrical tale about a veteran suffering from PTSD. Three tunes here are pure acoustic and will leave you with mixed feelings: â€�"A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon,” â€�"Goats in Trees” and â€�"Fire Escape,” with the latter leaving a feeling of incompleteness.

       Supermodel sticks to ‘Plan A’ when it comes to the trademark synth chords and the deep bass lines of Torches on most of the other tracks. â€�"Ask Yourself” and â€�"Coming of Age” prove more effective and in line with Foster the People’s original songs. The exception here is â€�"Best Friend.” Even though it’s lyrics are on the negative side, the song is a danceable gem.

       Supermodel doesn’t have that instant like-ability that Torches did and will not live up to the hype it has received, mainly because it’s a slow mover. But, given some patience, it just might be worthwhile.

      

       Track List”

       â€�"Are You What You Want to Be?”

       â€�"Ask Yourself”

       â€�"Coming of Age”

       â€�"Nevermind”

       ”Pseudologia Fantastica”

       â€�"The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones”

       â€�"Best Friend”

       â€�"A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon”

       â€�"Goats in Trees”

       â€�"The Truth”

       â€�"Fire Escape”

      

       UPCOMING EVENTS

      

       Mohegan Sun

       April 5 brings the one and only Cher to the sun. Cher’s previous tour, â€�"The Farewell Tour,” later dubbed, â€�"The Never Can Say Goodbye Tour,” was one of the most successful tours ever by a solo artist and played for a record-breaking 325 dates and was seen by over 5.5 million people.

      

       Foxwoods

       Comedian and actor D.L. Hughley plays the Fox for two nights, April 25-26. One of the most popular and recognizable stand-up comedians on the road today, D.L. Hughley has established himself as a multitalented star in the television, film and radio arenas as well. Best known as the breakout star of the comedy docu-film, The Original Kings of Comedy, Hughley can currently be heard nationwide as host of his own radio afternoon show, â€�"The DL Hughley Show.” He also serves as a host of TBS’s newest game show, â€�"Trust Me, I’m a Game Show Host.” First and foremost a stand-up comedian, Hughley starred in his fifth stand-up comedy special, â€�"Reset,” which aired on Showtime in 2012. He is also a regular performer on the late night talk show circuit, with appearances on â€�"Real Time” with Bill Maher and â€�"The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, and is frequently requested as guest host on such shows as, â€�"Good Morning America,” â€�"The View” and â€�"Live with Kelly.”