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 Elbel's 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
[ed. note: The horn part is performed on a trombone, not a "badly played trumpet." Further, the trombone part concludes the previous song, "Seven Three One," and is not part of the song "Fear the 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.
by James Stewart
