Concert Review

Concert Review • Foolish Things

Christian Rock Group Telegraphs Vintage U2 Vibe

Prior to multiple performances at central Kentucky’s Ichthus Christian music festival this weekend, the Colorado based Christian rock band Foolish Things performed Wednesday at Quest Community Church in Lexington. When surfing the radio, I may happen upon what I instantly know is a Christian station. And that’s usually about as far as it gets. Those folks always seemed a bit too happy, a bit too content with themselves and the world around them. Maybe I was jealous that I wasn’t. And although attending Kentucky Christian College when they were in their infancy, I never followed the career arc of the quite popular band Audio Adrenaline. It can be amazing what can happen when one gives a book, a record, another person the time of day and the chance to show their true colors. And Foolish Things presented a fascinating array of colors at a well attended church service this evening.

Coming to Quest for the first time, and searching for a fulfilling church experience, among other things, I accidentally sat in on their concert. When asking directions to the auditorium, I was asked if I was here to see the band. “What band?” I asked. During their set, Foolish Things keenly and efficiently plowed thru standards and originals. Leader singer, songwriter, and occasional guitarist Mark Labriola II was an ironic combination of calm and energy. His vocals, commentary, and body language presented a counterbalance to the welcomed seriousness of much of the music.

Isaac Jorgenson, vocalist, songwriter, and lead guitarist, presented a nicely restrained front man sensibility, juggling insightful song introductions with wonderfully refined instrumentation. He played the ‘background’ parts with energy, yet presented a beautifully delicate array of emotional textures that only rock based music can achieve.

Bassist Nate Phillips provided a steady foundation throughout the evening. His humble and leavened presence, as well as his very real spiritual nature, especially at-from my perspective-such a young age, had to be seen to be appreciated. Likewise, Shaul Hagen drummed with an efficient thrust and quiet tapestry all night. I didn’t get a chance to ask if he’d listened to the wonderful stutter step drumming of Manu Katche’, found most exquisitely on Fallen Angel, the first song on former Band member Robbie Robertson’s eponymous 1987 solo debut album, Police man Stewart Copeland’s splendid sounds on songs like Wrapped Around Your Finger and Synchronicity I, or Brian Wilson’s magnificently inventive percussion throughout the Beach Boys Pet Sounds album.

Both on their website, and in person after the concert, the lead guitarists spoke of U2 and British bands such as Keane, Travis, and Coldplay as influences. James Rightmer, on one of the two lead guitars, as well as background vocals and keyboards, telegraphed The Edge to a tee throughout the evening, and I looked at fingers and overhead monitors to see who was playing a beautiful hook right out of the U2 playbook. James, standing in the background all evening, mimed the iconic Irish group with a plethora of outstanding sounds.

If tonight meant anything, these guys are for real, both musically and spiritually. They’ve been playing together for ten years, and show a deep hearted craftsmanship that a decade of honing one’s style can bring. That style was most dynamically communicated thru songs such as Find Your Way Back and Its Not Home. Foolish Things have their label debut album, Let’s Not Forget The Story, out now, and they’re touring across the country all summer. If there’s any justice, these guys will not be forgotten any time soon.

Gary Thomas • Wednesday, June 13th 2007 • Lexington, KY • MoroccoZ3@aol.com

See www.foolishthings.com for current US tour and album information.