Jonfulton is a singer/songwriter whose songs would fit just fine on mainstream Christian radio. But Jonfulton is marketed as a gospel Pete Yorn, or Beck — both of whom wouldn't necessarily be considered mainstream. Maybe it would be more accurate to say he sounds like a hipper version of Steven Curtis Chapman with a rock edge, via his grunge roots in Seattle band, Solar. Play For the Gallery is not deeply introspective, not at all melancholy, and is produced like a candy apple. At times, Jonfulton's music is smitten with Beach Boys-like pop melodies, such as on "Don't Throw It Away." But Jonfulton is no Brian Wilson — not in songwriting, nor with vocal harmonizing. His voice instead sounds a bit strained, which adds a refreshingly organic quality to his pop songs. Play For the Gallery still sounds shallow, though, perhaps because the guitar-driven songs are lost behind mechanical drum beats and silly loops. And yes, his first name really is Jonfulton. I'm not sure what syllable to emphasize in his name, just as I'm not sure what direction of the mainstream/alternative expressway Jonfulton can drive on.
Editors' ratings - Doug 3/5, Jason 2/5
