It's an understatement to say that a lot of bands go through hardships in their careers. One band in particular knows these hardships all too well - a band called Fono. After opening for rock legend Bon Jovi and then recording their debut album goesaroundcomesaround, Fono's record label sold them to another label, who finally released it to the public. Not long after that, the band found themselves in the midst of a 2-year lawsuit, in which they weren't allowed to record anything. When they finally were able to start recording a new record, the California wild fire of 2003 destroyed their San Diego studio and everything in it, from the instruments to the almost completed new album. With all these troubles, you would think Fono would just give up. But 2007 welcomes their return, with their brand new album, fittingly titled Too Broken To Break.
"Dangerous" is the album opener, setting the mood for what's to follow. A driving guitar in an almost punk rock fashion launches the track, with Del Currie's anything-but punk, styled vocals overtop. The combination almost doesn't work, but multiple listens reveals that it indeed does. "Angel's Eyes" follows, which could pass for one of Switchfoot's edgier offerings, and then "Still Love?", which slows the momentum down a little, displaying the first instance on the record where it seems as if Fono drew some inspiration from pop powerhouse U2. From here, we hear the softer sounds of "On The Line," the more aggressive "Car Crash" and the title track, "Too Broken To Break." Musically, it's one of the heavier tracks, with some hard drums and a little extra rocking on the guitars.
The electrics continue vibrantly into the next track, "Anything At All," but then slow back down a bit for "Sunlight Silence," which sounds reminiscent at times of U2's "New Year's Day." "She Said" exhibits a quiet, punk rock feel, but "Silhouette" boasts what might be the album highlight musically, with perfectly placed snare and cymbal crashes and the guitar work to match. To finish it all off, "January Rose" makes its appearance, giving us the slowest song on the album, yet still managing to have enough guitars to warrant being considered a rock song.
At first, the fact that Fono is literally giving away Too Broken To Break through their website (www.fono.net) might make people question how good the album may be. At first listen, knowing it's free, it might even be possible to come up with your own conclusions as to why they are doing so. But upon giving Fono's latest a few honest listens, it seems more like the band is just proud of this record and want their fans to be able to enjoy it no matter what, while reintroducing themselves to the music world in the same motion. With band members being influenced by Muse, U2 and The Foo Fighters, fans are bound to enjoy Too Broken To Break for sure.
- Review date: 10/21/07, written by Scott Fryberger
|
|
Chosen Road Tops Billboard Bluegrass Chart Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:20:00 EST |
Marvin Sapp Set to Record 16th Album Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:10:00 EST |
Kate Stanford Unveils New Single, "Stand on Your Promises" Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:40:00 EST |
Deitrick Haddon Set To Release New Album May 17 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 13:50:00 EST |
Centricity Music / Publishing Announce Newest Artist / Songwriter, Bay Turner Wed, 17 Apr 2024 13:40:00 EST |
DPB's "Undefeated 3.0 (Radio Edit)" Hits #1 on National Radio Hits AC40 Chart Wed, 17 Apr 2024 13:30:00 EST |
Crystal Aikin Sets Date for First-Ever Live Recording Wed, 17 Apr 2024 13:20:00 EST |
DAD TIRED FOUNDER JERRAD LOPES EXPANDS POPULAR MINISTRY WITH DEBUT CHILDREN’S TITLE Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:07:46 +0000 |
“Anything Goes” by Andrew Kerhoulas of Brother K Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:54:00 +0000 |
Demi-Leigh Tebow to release debut book this August Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:20:38 +0000 |