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Fusebox hardly resembles the group started by members of Rebecca St. James' touring band in 2001; vocalist/bassist Billy Buchanan is now the only remaining original. Too bad, since ace guitarist Brad Duncan was half the reason for investigating the band. Now Fusebox feels less like a band and more like a transition into Buchanan's solo career with the sophomore effort, Once Again.

Before leaving to pursue full-time ministry, Duncan and Fusebox were beginning to unveil heavier guitar rock songs reminiscent of Living Colour and Lenny Kravitz. But with his absence, Once Again remains very similar to Fusebox's 2002 debut-typical modern worship made somewhat aggressive by the electric guitars. While Justin Mackey's guitars at times increase the decibels, they're no match for Duncan's musical proficiency.

That leaves us with Buchanan's songwriting, vocals, and production. Buchanan sings well, but just doesn't rock as much as the music demands. The songs themselves are simplistic expressions of worship surely written with good intentions, but ultimately bland. Covers of "God Is Great" and the title track are good, but not quite different enough to justify going where so many have gone before. The most intriguing cut is a cover of the Bruce Fisher and Billy Preston classic "You Are So Beautiful," used here as a darkly temperamental-sounding rock worship ballad.

Once Again is not bad, and there may be enough to recommend to those who never get enough of modern worship. Others, though, will find the title quite fitting—it's just more of the same.

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