Helen Keller stated, “We can decide to let our trials crush us, or we can convert them to new forces of good.” After almost three years stuck in record company litigation-limbo, Rush of Fools returns with their long overdue follow-up to Wonder of the World. We Once Were offers strong evidence for the veracity of Ms. Keller’s observation echoing James 1:2-4; for it is apparent that the band learned and benefited from their trial, applying it wholeheartedly to their latest effort.

 

Each song of We Once Were is like a page taken from the band’s collective journal. The songs are sagaciously considered, liberally dosed with healthy spiritual introspection without being melancholy, and demonstrate a tempered resolve without being phlegmatic. It seems clear the “time off” produced a focus and clarity for Rush Of Fools, elevating their artistic muse.

 

Musically, the band draws inspiration across rock genres but the styles of bands such as The Goo Goo Dolls, Train and Jimmy Eat World are well represented. The energetic, punk-tempo “We Once Were” makes fantastic use of instrumental interplay to contrast the past and a need to grow and be in transformational process. “Come Find Me” follows a similar formula, making use of time changes and instrumentation to great effect.

 

The percussion-driven cadence and distinctive guitar-sound of “A Civil War” borrows a page from Scottish rockers Big Country and Ireland’s most famous musical export (U2) to create a paradoxical threnody regarding our struggle against self. The use of sampled sounds, acoustic and electric instrumentation, and processed vocals create a dogged avowal of tenacity in “Won’t Say Goodbye,” calling to mind The Strokes.

 

“Grace Found Me” offers an answer as to who offers resolution to the battle mentioned in “A Civil War.” It has a pianoless Downhere-esque quality that is sure to make a big splash as a radio-ready single. The power chord-driven anthem “You’re The Medicine” vigorously acknowledges the need for Jesus, the cure for our narcissistic condition. And “End of Me” follows suit, offering surrender as the only viable solution and serving to bookend the struggle with self begun with “A Civil War.”

 

The much-maligned and lowly kazoo makes an appearance in the simple, bouncy, playful, spiritual love song, “No Other Love.” “Beginning To End” pays homage to the modern, up-tempo worship of Charlie Hall and Lincoln Brewster, marveling at God’s transcendent sovereignty. The influence of OneRepublic shows up in the arrangement and execution of “Help Our Unbelief.”

 

Producers Dennis Herring and Rusty Varenkamp seem to have drawn forth the best effort of each band member as musicians and songwriters. The sonic palette employed is determined in its tempo and execution, reinforcing the emotional texture and spiritual themes being sung. The lyrics and music mesh perfectly, creating hook-filled, exceptional modern rock songs. 

 

Ms. Keller also had this to say about trials: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” To that end, every track of We Once Were is a resounding success.