Favez - Bellefontaine Avenue

Bellefontaine Avenue is the latest installment from Switzerland-based Favez. Picking up off the heels of their live album, Favez continues to experiment with a broader, edgier pop sound. “Emmanuel Hall” incorporates the pop sensibilities that could expand the band's still minuscule American following. “It’s a Hit” takes a stab at the over-exposed pop/punk genre of yesteryear. It is easy to overlook Bellefontaine Avenue. I did. In fact, I had to be talked into hammering out a review, and I am glad that happened. The opportunity to explore a band that has a storied history dating back to 1998 and whose sound is appealing and catchy after a couple listens proves that sometimes we need to give bands more of a chance. With that said, track 11, “Heavy Metal 10,” the last track, sold the farm on this band for me. The fist pumping, crunch guitar sound smashed into my skull with joy and summed up the metamorphosis of Favez, a band that needs more attention. [www.favez.com]