Fusebox is back with the follow-up to Lost in Worship. Once Again seems an inappropriate title, because this disc is such a departure from their debut. It's louder, more aggressive, and… a little bit eighties?

It could be from my lack of exposure to either band; but when I first heard Fusebox's single "Once Again" on the radio, I honestly thought that it was Petra. When the radio announcer stated it was Fusebox, it was a definite "wow" moment. Of course once I was told who it was, the song was identifiable with their music. Perhaps it is the added high-pitched screams that seem to linger in the distance of the tracks that make Petra come to my mind, but it's even in the guitar. An eighties rock vibe is apparent throughout this entire disc.

But fans of Lost in Worship shouldn't fret. Their old sound isn't lost. It's hidden behind this new, more aggressive flare, but it is not lost.

Lyrically, Fusebox conveys their praise and admiration to God through eleven tracks on Once Again. Though, one is a simple "Overture" that leads into the last track, which is a cover of "You Are So Beautiful" (Obviously with a different object of affection than the original). The songs are all well written love anthems to the Savior. And you've just got to love any song that talks about standing at the cross in utter reverence and worship for what was done that day. On "Once Again," they do just that, "Once again, I look upon the cross where You died. I'm humbled by your mercy, and I'm broken inside. Once again, I thank You. Once again, I pour out my life."

Fans of Fusebox might be a little shocked at this new turn in musical style, but most likely won't be driven away. For those who didn't care too much for Lost for Worship, Once Again is a completely different experience, and well worth a listen.

- Review date: 06/13/04, written by Josh Taylor