On the eve of releasing a new Farewell to Juliet album, Marathon Records has re-issued a limited number of Echoes of Laughter. This release provides listeners the opportunity to experience FTJ's strongly progressive-influenced modern pop before the new Grace and Dire Circumstances arrives. Early mixes suggest that the band's new project may be their best work yet, but thatıs a story for another time.
Farewell to Juliet takes a fairly serious approach to their craft. Both the lyrical content and the musical aspects of Echoes of Laughter showcase substantial talent. Regarding lyrics, observe those of a song with a happy-go-lucky, friendly title like Goldfish, which express the fruitlessness of the pursuits of material gain and notoriety:
If a life is meaninglessThen, consider the challenge laced within the lyrics of Sorrow and Pride:
where do we go from here?
Six feet deep into the ground
Goldfish shed a tear
Are you ready?Farewell to Juliet creatively interweaves honest questions with daring answers. Guitarist Jeff Elbel is the band's chief lyricist. Along with vocalist Brant Hansen and drummer Jeff Schmale (who penned Adam's Chain), Elbel paints a powerful picture of down-to-earth realities mixed with spiritual truths.
Do you dare to cross the line?
Could be the old you
is quite afraid to die
Sonically, Farewell to Juliet draws upon progressive rock influences such as Rush and the Fixx to create a lush, well-rounded modern pop experience. On songs like Sorrow and Pride, FTJ mixes acoustic guitar with their electric vibe to form a complicated, yet beautiful arrangement. During Blindness, the band takes a Nirvana-ish guitar intro to full advantage and rips their way through the song.
Brant Hansen's passionate and awe-inspiring vocal ability adds the emotion necessary for each song, save the instrumental track, Welcome Mat.
Throughout Echoes of Laughter, FTJ maintains the deep, complicated brand of prog-influenced pop displayed on these few songs mentioned. At times things can seem a bit too intricate, but the players generally perform their duties well.
It should be pointed out that the albumıs production is good, but not of peak quality. However, it is also important to note that while Echoes of Laughter was originally released in 1993 on a demo budget, it stacks up quite favorably against other albums of the day.
Farewell to Juliet may finally get the attention they deserve when Grace and Dire Circumstances is released. Until then, this re-issue of Echoes of Laughter allows another chance to experience this great independent band. FTJıs challenging and poetic words, set against a backdrop of progressive pop, were well ahead of their time in 1993. They should be able to find some attentive ears in 1997 as well.
