Artist: Fono
Album: It's The Way That You Use It
Label: H5D Records
Tracks: 7
Length: 28:00
Review by: Phil Nichols

Bands have their ups and downs. There have been many cases where bands were struggling to make ends meet and then suddenly someone noticed them and they were immediately cast into the limelight, basking in the adoration of thousands of fans. However, just as often as there are success stories there are tales of bands that hit it big and then slowly fade out of existence until their fans have all but forgotten about them. And then there are bands like Fono, who have felt both the highest highs and the lowest lows and yet have now bounced back with the release of their new EP, It's The Way That You Use It.

Fono formed outside of London in 1996. Without ever playing a live show, they submitted a ten-song demo to a contest and won - making their first performance ever a slot opening for Bon Jovi in front of 50,000 people. In 1999, the band recorded their debut, GoesAroundComesAround, which attracted much attention overseas, securing them a 30 minute special on BBC World Service, putting them on the Top 10 charts in Belgium, winning them numerous interviews with MTV Europe, and giving them the title of Best Unsigned Band in Kerrang! Magazine. They were on top of the world, so they moved to San Diego to ease the multi-continental commute and began working on their next release.

In October 2003, just days away from completing their follow-up EP, their studio was engulfed in the flames of the infamous California wildfires. They lost everything - gear, studio equipment, tour souvenirs, and the computers that contained all of the tracks for their newest project. They had hit rock bottom, but were not ready to give up just yet. They began rebuilding their studio and re-recording their tracks. Now a few months later, It's The Way That You Use It has finally been completed and released.

This EP is not too different than the band's previous effort. The music makes the songs seems like they are B-sides from GoesAroundComesAround. Del Currie still maintains his Bono-esque croon over strong hooks and classic European pop sensibilities. However, overall, this is a pretty typical modern rock release. There are some solid tracks scattered throughout the album (Headlights, Falling Man), but at the same time there are some equally lackluster cuts (Radio, Alcatraz). Given the band's trying circumstances, I would love to be able to say that this album is a masterpiece, but there is nothing that really makes this release stand out. If you like modern rock with some Euro-pop influence, then you will enjoy It's The Way That You Use It. If you don't, then you probably won't get much out of this.

Fono has gone through a lot. They have experienced more in their 8 years of existence as a band then most people will experience in a lifetime. This EP may not be anything spectacular, but it is admirable that they picked up the pieces and mustered up the will to re-record everything. Sure, the songs on It's the Way That You Use It are decent, but hopefully, barring another natural disaster, Fono will be able to use their difficult experiences to grow more musically. This EP is transitional, and we can only hope that it paves the way for a respectable upcoming full-length.