Anybody who follows the internet discussion group rec.music.christian will almost certainly have come across the band Farewell to Juliet, if not through the participation of guitarist/vocalist Jeff Elbel in the group, then through the ravings of other discussion participants. The band's second full album, Grace and Dire Circumstances, is a well-presented project released on their own label, Marathon Records. The overall sound of the album reflects the band's Choir influences, especially in the lyrics and in some of the guitar work, although many songs have a more aggressive feel than a majority of the Choir's material.
The lyrics focus primarily on feelings, with struggles and pains acting as prominent themes. There is also a definite spirit of worship, especially in the final track called "Fear the Lord," which starts out with a (badly played) trumpet and moves into an acoustic arrangement. The lyrics are based on a poem by Maria Wallis:
like the deepest ocean current
or a violent summer storm
I will fear you, Lord
with trembling knees, Father
and with wavering voice
I will fear you, Lord,
Vocalist Brant Hansen has a strong, well-rounded voice which complements the voices of backing vocalists Jeff Elbel, John Bretzlaff, and guest vocalist Kim Bretzlaff nicely. The guitars are often distorted, and at times are fairly jangly, but there are some impressive solos further into the album. The melodies and chord progressions are strong and keep me listening. There are a few points at which some songs seem a little long, or I can't quite grasp a metaphor, and a couple of times I wondered if the guitar tones coming through were as appropriate as they could be. But, overall, I enjoyed this album more than I expected to.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernBack after its highly respected and sought after debut, Echoes of Laughter, Farewell to Juliet bring to the table a highly credible, mostly pop-oriented record entitled Grace and Dire Circumstances. Jeff Elbel is a great producer, guitarist, and writer, so it's a blessing to have his name show up in the credits before I even hear the record. The song "Justice" appeared as "Bean" on a project by…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Jerry RayReaders of the Usenet newsgroup rec.music.christian have likely heard of Farewell to Juliet and producer/guitarist Jeff Elbel. I had heard about the band in that forum for some time before I actually ordered their disc, and when I finally heard it, I kicked myself for not having ordered it sooner. Grace and Dire Circumstances is a solid album, and is doubly impressive for being a self-produced…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Titi Ala'ilimaAfter five years and a bout with band mitosis, Farewell to Juliet is back with their second album, Grace and Dire Circumstances. No sophomore jinx here. The cover depicts a butterfly beset by flames, grace under fire as it were. These guys certainly display that with this new album. Their debut record, Echoes of Laughter made quite an impression on those of us fortunate to have heard it, but even…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinFarewell to Juliet's reputation as a Choir clone is not helped by their reverent remake of "Chase the Kangaroo," but that connection seems to suit this band just fine. The Choir-esque sounds aside, the real question is: is there room for another intelligent, artsy modern rock band with a familiar sound? Farewell to Juliet makes a powerful case. Despite their obvious veneration for their favorite…Similar sounding releases
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