Out of Chicago, IL comes some of the freshest faces to hit Tooth & Nail Records in quite a while. The Fold sets an unashamedly message to surprisingly smart pop/rock melodies, in what makes for a finely crafted, highly enjoyable debut effort.


This Too Shall Pass sounds a lot like what would happen if Weezer and Fall Out Boy merged, the obvious difference being the message. The Fold addresses themes with more maturity and gusto than most of their counterparts. Most tracks deal with our depravity.. The album begins with "So let's start at the beginning of the story. I was a boy with nowhere to call home" ("Gravity"), and it ends with "I Believe You," a song that, from beginning to end, cries out for protection and guidance.


Some great points are made along the way, as well. "Stay" makes a powerful statement about our inability to accept that Christ is in control no matter what we do, "Oh, what do I know? You're rendering beauty from what I dispose. Characteristically, so buoyantly, vitally, barely alive." "Rid of Me" gets a bit sardonic as it relates our attitudes towards intimacy with God, "I suppose that I should get a little deeper with You now. It's kind of like the feeling of watching everything around you tumble down, but you don't seem to mind. In fact the ashes seem to be too beautiful for words. Never to return."


The Fold works as a catchy pop/rock act. They work when they slow it down to an almost halt to set a mood, and they work as a more subtly aggressive rock act. This Too Shall Pass is fourteen succulent tracks that are simply a joy to behold. It's rewarding to find such a talented act that remains unashamedly Christian. Perhaps a bit too generic in places, but we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. Experience will play a hand as this band continues to grow and mature. As for now, This Too Shall Pass is not one to pass up.

What really amazed me about this album is that the singer actually sings. He doesn't do the standard robotic power-pop emo yelp like virtually every new band Tooth And Nail or Victory have signed in the past three years and every other weak generic band that wish they could get signed to those labels. This guy actually sings like a regular rock singer, albeit somewhat effeminately. He fluctuates his level of vocal projection and the rhythm of vocal notes from one word to the next. He flows from one note to the next instead of the stop/start barking style most of these singers do on every syllable. Musically this album is pleasant but a bit too safe and basic, and overproduction is still a problem, but the riffs and melodies are a bit more distinctive than most commercial power-pop emo bands. I'm just in shock that Tooth And Nail would sign a band with a singer who actually sings. 7/10.

I think this album is awsome. The first tracks on the cd deffinetly hit the hardest, but Remnant & I Believe You are the best tracks on the whole cd. I have listened to these guys for while, and this is some good stuff. I would recomend this cd to anyone who listens alternative, you can rock out on it, easy listen, or bump it in the ride!!! Pick it up today!

This is an excellent cd. The first 6 songs, and the closing track are awesome songs. I agree with some of the reviews that say the last half of the cd is not as good as the first half, but the first 6 songs are just so much better than most of the garbage that's being released lately. Buy this album!

I first heard about these guys when I heard that they'd be touring with Anberlin and Emery. After listening to the tracks on Purevolume and Myspace, I figured how could I go wrong? The Fold has great melodies and great lyrics in the first four songs: "Gravity," "Backseat Drivers," "New City," and "The Title Track." "Going For My Lungs" has pretty good vocals as well. But what the heck happened to the second half of the album? The lyrics are still great, but the singers voice just doesn't sound as crisp and clean. No songs after "Going For My Lungs" made me tap my foot or had that "replay" value. As far as the guitars and drums goes...nothing new. Pretty basic, steady, conservative beats.

So, all in all, the band definately has potential, the first four songs are very catchy and the vocals are great. Hopefully the sophomore release will be a more "complete" album. In my mind some of the best complete albums as of late have been Relient K's "Mmhmm" and Anberlin's "Never Take Friendship Personal." Rarely anymore can bands produce cd's that you can thoroughly enjoy from start to finish. If you enjoy "This Too Shall Pass" and haven't heard of Relient K or Anberlin, please go check them out. I guarantee you'll see what I mean about complete albums. I'll definately keep track of The Fold in the future, but they still have a ways to go to get to the level of RK and Anberlin.

I listened to this CD when it was leaked prior to the release, and then quickly preordered it. This band has what it takes to make it big. They seem to have their heads on their shoulders, they make great music, and there is meaning behind their songs. It really is good stuff.