Foo Fighters have treated their fans over the last month or so by digging into the archives and releasing a flurry of EPs, including live performances, covers and forgotten classics, to mark the start of celebrations for the band’s 25th anniversary. 00020225 is classic Foo Fighters: raspy vocals, energetic guitar parts and classic rock vibes.

If it wasn’t already a staple in the list of favourite Foos’ songs, it certainly is after its reintroduction on 00020225

‘The One’, ‘Win or Lose’ and ‘Normal’ were all released by the Foo Fighters in the early 2000s. They are introduced to younger fans of the band and refresh the memories of the veterans in this EP, welcomingly so as they are Foo Fighters at their best. ‘The One’ is fast and all out guitar, drums and Grohl’s all too recognisable vocals. It is clear that this is early Foos as the song is less refined but still a lot of fun. ‘Win or Lose’ is similar in that it is obviously early Foos but it is less angry. ‘Normal’ is the hidden treasure of this EP. It has a memorable melody and is full of heart. If it wasn’t already a staple in the list of favourite Foos’ songs, it certainly is after its reintroduction on 00020225.

The Foo’s cover of The Psychedelic Furs’ ‘Sister Europe’ removes the jazzier and ethereal tones of the original to focus more on the repetitive but effective guitar parts. Grohl’s vocals stay true to the solemn sounds of Richard Butler’s original performance, but there is something that is easier to listen to in the Foos’ cover version as the original has the tendency to create unease.

The live performance of ‘Learn to Fly’ is priceless for Foo Fighters fans as the band are renowned for their ability to perform live flawlessly. Grohl’s emphatic stage persona shines through the vocals so well that you don’t need to see the performance to get the rush of warmth that being at a Foos gig brings. 

The release does bridge the wait until the promised new album arrives with rumours of a 2020 release date

The best word to describe the acoustic version of ‘Times Like These’ is wholesome. The addition of the piano really softens the song and is a gorgeous addition to an already fab track. When performing ‘Times Like These’ live, Grohl will usually start the song solo and acoustically with the rest of the band coming back in when the guitar bridge happens two thirds into the song. It is quite refreshing to hear the song as a fully acoustic masterpiece. Even stripped back, the Foo Fighters manage to amaze.

The bum-note on this EP is the live performance of B52’s ‘Planet Claire’. The song begins well with the classic musicianship of the Foos standing out until the introduction of B52’s own Fred Schneider’s questionable vocals at 1:47. It was definitely a good idea to have the track preceding ‘Normal,’ as it sooths the ear!

The EP ends with an acoustic version of the band’s ‘Disenchanted Lullaby’. This is a meek and quiet ending that sounds quite similar to ‘Sister Europe’ only less unsettling. Having said this, the track is different enough to the other songs on the EP that it enables yet another side of the Foo Fighters to be shown.

Although these songs aren’t the new material that were teased to be performed at Reading and Leeds 2019, the release does bridge the wait until the promised new album arrives with rumours of a 2020 release date. The EP strikes the right balance between nostalgic and experimental whilst offering all the varying sounds of the Foo Fighters in an 8-track exploration of memories. 

00020225 is available now via Roswell Records