Out of Chicago, IL comes some of the freshest faces to hit Tooth & Nail Records in quite a while. The Fold sets an unashamedly Christian 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 Christian themes with more maturity and gusto than most of their counterparts. Most tracks deal with our depravity and Christ's ability to redeem us. 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 to God 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.

- Review date: 2/19/06, written by Josh Taylor