Foo Fighters - Something From Nothing

The build-up to the forthcoming Foo Fighters record (and its accompanying television series) has been tremendous. Over the past few months, there have been teasers, trailers, eight-second audio snippets, performances, TV spots and just about everything else that they cram into five or six minutes and air in public. Except, that is, for a full song. Now though, with the premiere of ‘Something From Nothing’, the waiting masses have finally been given a taste of what to expect from ‘Sonic Highways’.

Somewhat recognisable for those who’ve been keeping an eye out for the band’s HBO series previews - the opening chords have appeared on at least two of their recent outputs - the song begins with a brooding dark feel. Opening lyrics “here lies a city on fire” set a stark scene, as guitars dwindle and creep slowly into the foreground. Kicking into another gear, they soon become a driving force in their own right; throughout the build-up there are bluesy nuances, even a few hints of funk, and a namecheck to Muddy Waters just to confirm that this track is of Chicago’s descent.

It’s at the 2.30 mark that things really explode into life. Grohl’s vocals become an angry snarl, declaring a defiant, ‘Fuck it all, I came from nothing!’ as a raucous guitar solo - from guest Cheap Trick’s own Rick Nielsen - takes the driving seat. Descending into a madden squeal of feedback and scream of vocals, ‘Something From Nothing’ is already a true rock and roll anthem. Then again, would you expect anything less?