Even Now

Sounds like … the catchy pop/rock of bands like Downhere, The Afters, Sevenglory, and By the Tree, influenced by the likes of U2, The Killers, Coldplay, and Snow PatrolAt a glance … another enjoyable effort from Foolish Things with slightly more electronic than the last album, though Even Now still lacks the A-level production needed to widen the band's exposureTrack Listing Shooting in the Dark Who'd You Put in Charge? Even Now Fly Love Chained Me Here Holding on to What Is Easy Fight Love Atmosphere Keep Us Together Let Go

Colorado-based Foolish Things formed more than eight years ago, taking their time to develop their talent and fan base. They were even a winner at GMA's Music in the Rockies seminar back in 2000. And it wasn't until 2006 when they finally released their national debut, Let's Not Forget the Story, through Inpop Records. Yet in spite of all their efforts and perseverance, the band is independent again for their follow-up effort, Even Now.

Oh well, there are worse things nowadays than being independent in the music business. But the last album suffered in quality, sounding too independent to compete with better-mixed pop/rock bands in the Christian market. The same is true here, in spite of the production by Tommy Collier (Circleslide). The music doesn't sound cheap as much as it's rather muddy, lacking the professional spit-and-polish of a major release—the melody, strings, and loops in leadoff track "Shooting in the Dark" never quite gel. And it doesn't help that lyrics and liner notes are riddled with typos.

That said, Foolish Things again demonstrates a good deal of potential in their musical and performance skills. Closest in style to The Afters, the band also bears a resemblance to Downhere with its melodic pop/rock approach, not to mention dual lead singers/songwriters/guitarists in Isaac Jorgensen and Mark Labriola. Even Now finds the band dabbling more with synths and electronics, making driving rockers like "Who'd You Put in Charge?" and "Fight" sound much like The Killers.

Showing substantial potential, Foolish Things also does well in clearly expressing their faith without resorting to timeworn clichés. This album generally reflects on what holds dominion over our hearts (God? The Devil? Us?), as demonstrated in "Who'd You Put in Charge?": "Your heart's a kingdom but who's your king?/Who rules your thoughts and calls the shots on things?/And if you don't know, chances are you're not holding the cards anymore."

Vocals, melodies, lyricism … there's plenty to like about Foolish Things. They have the same kind of ingredients that puts them in the same league as The Afters, Downhere, and MercyMe. But as long as their production quality continues to hold them back, Foolish Things is bound to remain a better-than-average independent band rather than the A-list act they seem capable of becoming.