Farewell 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 band, there is enough other stuff happening in their music--for instance the Rush-like qualities of "Justice"--to set them apart, making them no mere imitators. Not all of these songs are on equal footing, and some seem a bit overlong. Had a wee bit of fat been trimmed, this would have been an even stronger album. The highlights here are worthy enough to sustain the album, however, and special recognition goes out to songs like the moody rock of "Holiday on Ice" and "Bittersweet," rockers like "Justice" and "Thermostat," and modern hymns like "Fear the Lord," a truly wonderful worship experience. It should not be implied that the other songs are mere filler--far from it. They are merely less immediately and subjectively noteworthy. With plenty of respectable songs, this is a slightly uneven but overall admirable collection. Grace and Dire Circumstances is also chock-full of beautiful arrangements and passionately played songs. Jeff Elbel's varied guitar work is especially exemplary. The lyrics range from insightful to worshipful and poetic to pure fun. The production is laudable. Even the artwork and packaging is top notch. Farewell to Juliet may not have reinvented modern rock, but they are carving their own niche. Of the more obscure indie bands out there, they are clearly one of the most qualified for full-time status due to the quality of both their songs and musical execution. The sum of these parts is atmospheric and arresting, charming and catchy, memorable, and most of all, definitely worth your time and attention. Forget farewell. Why not say hello.
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 James StewartAnybody 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,…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…Similar sounding releases
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