It's an understatement to say that a lot of bands go through hardships in their careers. One band in particular knows these hardships all too well - a band called Fono. After opening for rock legend Bon Jovi and then recording their debut album goesaroundcomesaround, Fono's record label sold them to another label, who finally released it to the public. Not long after that, the band found themselves in the midst of a 2-year lawsuit, in which they weren't allowed to record anything. When they finally were able to start recording a new record, the California wild fire of 2003 destroyed their San Diego studio and everything in it, from the instruments to the almost completed new album. With all these troubles, you would think Fono would just give up. But 2007 welcomes their return, with their brand new album, fittingly titled Too Broken To Break.

"Dangerous" is the album opener, setting the mood for what's to follow. A driving guitar in an almost punk rock fashion launches the track, with Del Currie's anything-but punk, styled vocals overtop. The combination almost doesn't work, but multiple listens reveals that it indeed does. "Angel's Eyes" follows, which could pass for one of Switchfoot's edgier offerings, and then "Still Love?", which slows the momentum down a little, displaying the first instance on the record where it seems as if Fono drew some inspiration from pop powerhouse U2. From here, we hear the softer sounds of "On The Line," the more aggressive "Car Crash" and the title track, "Too Broken To Break." Musically, it's one of the heavier tracks, with some hard drums and a little extra rocking on the guitars.

The electrics continue vibrantly into the next track, "Anything At All," but then slow back down a bit for "Sunlight Silence," which sounds reminiscent at times of U2's "New Year's Day." "She Said" exhibits a quiet, punk rock feel, but "Silhouette" boasts what might be the album highlight musically, with perfectly placed snare and cymbal crashes and the guitar work to match. To finish it all off, "January Rose" makes its appearance, giving us the slowest song on the album, yet still managing to have enough guitars to warrant being considered a rock song.

At first, the fact that Fono is literally giving away Too Broken To Break through their website (www.fono.net) might make people question how good the album may be. At first listen, knowing it's free, it might even be possible to come up with your own conclusions as to why they are doing so. But upon giving Fono's latest a few honest listens, it seems more like the band is just proud of this record and want their fans to be able to enjoy it no matter what, while reintroducing themselves to the music world in the same motion. With band members being influenced by Muse, U2 and The Foo Fighters, fans are bound to enjoy Too Broken To Break for sure.

- Review date: 10/21/07, written by Scott Fryberger