With as many words as this review could hold, at least half would be adjectives. It's tempting to use the word, "smart." And undoubtedly the term "pop-hooks" will surface. Maybe, even the expression "sassy," would appropriately describe the high-energy rock music that Fono embraces. It would be hard to round out this review without using the cliche' term "Brit-rock." Then again, they are British. And, the Britons are noted purveyors of Brit-rock. But the emphasis is that, first and foremost, Fono plays some quality music.
Producer, Adi Winman, (known for his work with bands like Skunk Anansie, Jamiroquai and Suede) has helped this fledgling band create a sound most debut albums only wish they had. Full, rich, and tightly played, with strong vocals, rhythmic and driving guitars, this is not exactly fluffy-marshmallow goo. Edgy enough to attract punk and alternative fans, yet melodic and palatable enough for pop fans, it is possible that Fono may appeal to a very wide range of music lovers. A broad spectrum of effects has been employed to achieve a sound that is raw, gritty and tough enough. Still Fono maintains an element of professionalism, and polish. The first two tracks are strong, leading in with "Collide," followed by "Under My Skin," which will do just that; crawl under your skin, and hibernate for a while, until it bursts out full force with its throbbing drums, and intense guitars. "Something Must Be Happening" is more pop-oriented, but still quite likeable. "Alcatraz" makes use of nicely crafted verses, and metaphors dealing with imprisonment, but unfortunately, the chorus seems to be a tad repetitive. Nevertheless, that is a minor flaw. "Now She's 24" is a beautiful song about a girl that turns her life over to Jesus. For all its melodic harmony, it still is a strong contender among the rock songs. "Drift Away," easily falls into the same category.
In all, the lyrics on this album are uplifting, poetic, and strong. There is a definite theme of redemption, and hope, but the album also touches on sin, and struggles. And yet, this is not a preachy album, which might contribute to their mainstream success in Europe. After all, bands like U2 have long sung about their faith without alienating mainstream audiences.
So in a nutshell: Brit-rock + sassy, smart pop-hooks + uplifting lyrics + guitar-driven grit = Fono. Get it. Got it? Good.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Bert GanglThe Fono narrative over the past five years could be broadly categorized as an alternation between daunting achievement and unlikely obstacles. After finding moderate success in the European pub and club circuit with his former band, singer Del Currie voluntarily detached himself from the music scene for a year. After his sabbatical, Currie teamed up with friend Ian Crawford and churchmate Andy…HM Magazine #79Reviewed by Amanda NelsonWhere has this band been all my life? What a great sound! To misquote my favorite film, Christmas Vacation, "If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I couldn't be more excited than I am right now." These guys have a modern, kind of Beatles sound, and the lead singer Del Currie sounds a lot like Sting. This album starts off with a bang. The first song, "Collide," is very cool. The…ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Timothy Paul YenterThis is not your parents' album. From its opening measures, this action-movie of an album rocks with the veracity of a live performance. In the classic tradition of three-piece bands, Fono is in-your-face power rock, developed out of performances before a live audience, with all the ensuing strengths and weaknesses. GoesAroundComesAround, for all its loud reveling (and this album should…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Josh SpencerA review for this album doesn't need to be long. GoesAroundComesAround is probably the best radio-ready alternative rock album by Christians ever, no contest. Almost every song could rule the charts if given the chance. These Brits have taken all the post-grunge pop tricks and tools and have fashioned a superbly solid, catchy, sonically-pleasing collection of songs with quality lyrics that avoid…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinA colossal sound, some spiffy production techniques, vigorous vocals, and a few well-played chords can get you pretty far in the music biz. Although Fono offers pretty standard stuff for nineties modern rock, they transcend the sameness of their alternative peers a smidge. So what if the vocalist sounds like Sting (and others) at times, that the riffs are often ripped from the Foo Fighters'…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by James StewartIt's been over a year since Fono's debut first landed in the CD players of UK-based fans. In that time they've been shunted between US labels and had time to do a little more work on the album. So it is that this re-release (to the UK market) of GoesAroundComesAround sees the final track of the original, "All Falls Down," removed, the addition of three new tracks, and the album re-organized. This…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Corey WeltonFono's GoesAroundComesAround is simply one of the most surprising albums I've ever come across in Christian rock. Opening with "Collide," the first thirty seconds might make one think they've bought an experimental electronic album. This is not the case, but it makes a good transition into what turns out to be an excellent fast-paced opener for the album. The band churns out nine more wonderfully…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartIn 1996 an unknown independent band received their first booking. They were asked to support Bon Jovi before 60,000 people. That band was Seven, now known as Fono, and for their second album they have decided to sign with a Christian label while keeping up their links with mainstream clubs in the UK. I must admit that having loved the raw sound of Seven's album, my approach to this more produced…Similar sounding releases
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