Beauty is rarely a well-kept secret. Emotional depth often is. There are precious few occasions when the two join in unison, such as on the new album Grace and Dire Circumstances by Farewell to Juliet. Grace and Dire Circumstances is a poetically rich album that unfurls a red carpet of mystery and elegance, leading the listener on an expedition of sadness, hope and love.
Grace and Dire Circumstances begins with the homesick lament Holiday on Ice, and never lets go of that honesty and heart. Throughout the album, the lyrical quality is superb. Many of the words seem to pour straight from the heart of Farewell to Juliet.
Main lyricist and guitarist Jeff Elbel does an excellent job of conveying deep emotion and contemplation. Songs such as Holiday on Ice and Healer act as soothing words for sad souls. While the lyrics tend to be on the abstract side, they are still within a realm that is possible to relate to and understand.
The sound of Farewell to Juliet's music is as deep as the lyrics. Combining a modern rock feel with progressive dynamics, Farewell to Juliet has forged a beautiful mix that is easily comparable to bands like Sixpence None the Richer, with even a hint of Jars of Clay.
Some of the songs go into full rock mode. Thermostat unleashes the relentless fire and passion within Farewell to Juliet. In the wake of that song's damage follows Healer, one of the more mellow tracks on the album. As different as the two songs are, they flow wonderfully - as does the entirety of the album. It's not the heaviness or speed that make a difference in Farewell to Juliet's case; it's the elegance, spiritual flow and passion. These attributes are maintained throughout Grace and Dire Circumstances.
A few very surprising guest appearances pop up on Grace and Dire Circumstances. Andrew Carter of the Aunt Bettys and Greg Lawless of Adam Again add their guitar talents on different tracks. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the presence of Rob Dickinson of Catherine Wheel, who adds his voice to Thermostat.
Grace and Dire Circumstances is a blessed journey and an artist's prize. Though on a small label, this album is well worth searching out and should not be ignored. A collection of songs with such heart and inspiration is an oasis in an age and industry of worn out trends and gutless wonders. Anyone desiring a quality pop experience, a drink of spiritual healing, and a sense of wonder owes it to themselves to check out Farewell to Juliet.
