Captivating. Enchanting. Enthralling. These are words that I seldom use to describe an album. But in the case of With Abandon, the debut album from 3-piece brother/sister/sister rock band Chasing Furies, I cannot think of any better words to use.
Musically, this record is excellent. Fusing the sonic diversity of Earthsuit with the haunting, other-worldly feel of Sixpence None the Richer or Plumb, and the creativity of Luna Halo, Chasing Furies is an album that is truly unique. The complex instrumentation really pulls you into the music, and the use of subtle background sounds, such as cicadas, makes for a true musical adventure. From the tension between the guitars and the piano on modern rock opener "Thicker" to the heavy bass and pounding drum beats on "I Would Drown" to the jazz piano on "Wait Forever", rock does not get more diverse than this.
The vocals on this album also excel. Sarah Meeker's soft voice works well with this style of music on nine of the eleven tracks. Brother Joshua Meeker takes over lead vocals on "I Would Drown" and "Romance Me". Both Meeker siblings have voices that are not extremely striking or different, but the vocals work very well on this album anyway.
Lyrically, With Abandon's songs tend to deal with the depravity of humans and our need for love. Poetic metaphors and worshipful writing makes the words of these eleven songs seem very artistic and universally appealing.
Another group for me to add to my "Awesome Artists Who Never Get Any Attention" list, the Furies, along with two of my favorite producers, Monroe Jones and Brent Milligan, have made this record into a great piece of art. Although it may not appeal to everyone, this album is a definite keeper for any fan of thoughtful modern rock.
Josh's Score: 3.5/5
Nathan's Score: 5/5
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #75Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernThis eclectic and very talented new group takes seriously the need to present non-Christians with quality art. Sounding like nothing you've heard in the Christian market, the band brings to mind groups as varied as Radiohead and Over the Rhine. A beautiful piano interlude and earthy dueling vocals (a la Sarah Masen) are, on occasion, interrupted by the freedom of a rock guitar, none of which are…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinAccording to classical Greek mythology, the Furies were avenging goddesses that punished criminals through life and beyond death. Usually limited to three in number, they were often described as horrible, hideous creatures with snakes for hair and really nasty attitudes, which is probably the (super)natural result of either spending most of their time in Hades or haunting offenders, murderers,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by James StewartLush, textured art-pop with a few aggressive moments. Both male and female vocals take the lead at different points and the overall effect varies from earthy to ethereal. Some listeners may find a couple of the songs a little contrived, but it's a relaxing album that rewards careful listening. 3.5 tocksThe Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Bert GanglIt would seem that the three siblings that front Chasing Furies come by both their spiritual and musical inclinations honestly. Lead guitarist Joshua Meeker and his sisters, vocalists Sarah and Rachel, are second-generation preacher's kids, and both their father and grandfather are church worship leaders. The Dallas area band began by making the rounds at local coffeehouse open-mic nights before…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Tommy JollyEvery now and then a major label latches onto an act residing just outside the borders of the status quo. Chasing Furies are the latest such act, a trio of siblings playing modern rock with worshipful lyrics. That might not sound terribly unusual, but it's done terribly well. Sarah and Joshua Meeker's songwriting reflects how troubled pasts give way to total devotion to God in the present. Some…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Israel KlossChasing Furies' first five songs start out with an ethereal sound. The most striking among these is "Throw Me." The song starts and stops like a roller coaster jolting you, forcing one to listen. As if one is on an airplane, every time the song seems to be taking flight, it grinds to a stop and is silent; then starts into passionate flight, then silence. It is actually a pleasant roller coaster…Similar sounding releases
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