"The poem is almost nihilistic; its basic theme is that everything is temporary. While the perspective of the poem is worldly, it makes an impressive point about the bankruptcy of a life without the promise of a hereafter."To the band itself, the name Farewell to Juliet has taken on a different meaning. Guitarist Jeff Elbel explains,
"It refers to being committed enough to what we believe to leave behind the ephemeral for the greater good, even at the cost of losing things we might dearly love."
It's difficult to classify the style of music that FTJ plays. ``Modern Rock'' would probably be the best general term for the band's melting-pot style. Elbel clarifies:
"Our musical influences begin with a lot of the 80's FM radio stuff, like the Police, Fixx, Simple Minds, and Rush, and continue into more of the current acts like King's X, Midnight Oil, Choir, Adam Again, Catherine Wheel, Chagall Guevara, or anyone else we happen to dig on the radio at the time. That's a lot to name, but we're music lovers. Bits and pieces of everything creep into our sound."In addition to Hansen and Elbel, Farewell to Juliet's regular line-up includes former hushtower bassist John Bretzlaff, and drummer Jeff Schmale, a founding member of the early 90's powerhouse Dark Horse Rising. The band's expanded line-up includes guitarist Carl Oberg, whenever travel permits. Friends christianE! of globalWAVEsystem and Stacey Krejci of Animator occasion with the band on keyboard. FTJ has also performed for television with the aid of concert violinist Emily Randle. The varying line-up allows FTJ to explore different musical textures; the band plays to its strengths in any format, but performs most frequently in the power-trio-plus-vocalist format.
"Our shows provide a setting for us to really cut loose musically, and also to meet with people in a situation where they're at ease, and on their own terms," explains Hansen. "The opportunity to talk with people one on one has always been the most important thing to me about this band."
Many of FTJ's lyrics reflect the personal faith of the band members. The group feels that while many club-goers are uncomfortable when confronted with such spiritual topics, FTJ's music can help introduce the concept of a Christian lifestyle in a non-threatening way. Says Hansen:
"We're no different than anyone else. We go out to play music and have a good time with the people who come to see us. I do take the term 'non-threatening' with a grain of salt, though. I want to promote the truth, and I have often thought that if the truth offends you, well, maybe you need to be offended. I'm not out to cram anything down someone's throat, but I'm always available for a good debate."
Farewell to Juliet is currently in the process of following up Echoes of Laughter. The new project, entitled Grace and Dire Circumstances, is planned for release in Fall of 1997. The band is hopeful that a potential label deal will come through, and will allow the band to hit some of the more high profile festival shows worldwide during the summer. In the meantime, catch the band on tour at a club or youth event near you, hear the new material early, and see for yourself what makes FTJ such a promising and yet down to earth band.
