The Fold - This Too Shall Pass

Tooth and Nail Records

14 Tracks

44:16

 

Just like gravity, what draws you to me
Someone I didn’t know I needed
It’s like gravity, and it’s stronger than me
I need you here

The Fold could have made a perfect summer driving record.  There are a few songs that the band has cooked up that seem perfect for “windows down, singing at the top of your lungs,” fun.  The problem comes when you dig a bit further into the music and the track listing.

The album kicks in with the rocking pop song “Gravity” telling the story of the singer’s past.  The hooks on this album are just huge.  The pop style vocals are bigger than life and scream for sing-a-longs.  After one listen you realize that these guys are on to something good.  It’s just plain fun music. 

“Back seat Drivers”, has some great vocal harmonies.  Smart lyrics abound on the album.  What stands out about the band among many similar artists, many of whom are on the same label, is their originality of song ideas.  The title track ramps up with some synthesizer for a crazy dance pop track that is just different enough from the current pop craze to engage the listener.

All is cranking along fine until track five where Daniel Castady’s vocals are stretched a bit thin on the high notes of a short, down tempo number.  It’s an awkward song at best and disjointed at worst. 

     With the beginning of “Going For My Lungs,” we’re back to the rocking pop music we remember from the first four tracks.  When I hear the lyric, “ I’m sorry if it seems that I have let you down.  I thought I was looking out for us, “ I feel the honesty of someone who has truly gone through the experience of letting someone down when having the best intentions.  It makes for a more identifiable song and album.  And like most people, I want to identify with what I listen to.

     The rest of the album continues on much the same pace musically though some of the songs have a bit harder guitar line and different lyrical ideas.  Not every song on the disc is worthy of repeat listens.  I can see where some filler material may have come into play.  It’s such a sad thing for a band that seems as talented as The Fold. 

     Overall this is a good album, just not great.  I can see the first half of the album continuing to be on my summer driving play list, however the last half tends to get a bit boring and generic.  Purchase with caution.