PFR

Item: Disappear
Author: Trae Cadenhead

Disappear

(2001)

Reviewed by Trae Cadenhead

Discogs Bandcamp Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Squint EntertainmentThe Phantom Tollbooth2001

ccm pop rock power pop rock

After a long four year absence from Christian music, PFR has finally returned. The band had forged a name for themselves as one of the best bands that Christian music has ever seen. However, it's never easy to return to what you have done in the past and do it even better than you did before, especially when you've won a large amount of acclaim with your music.

I have followed PFR since I heard their third album, Great Lengths, the release that drew comparisons to the Beatles. Of course, PFR is not the Beatles and their fourth release, Them, was the album that showed so much depth and originality both in music and lyrics. If they could keep this music thing together and stay on the same track they would have some incredible years ahead of them. Unfortunately, shortly after the release of Them, the band called it quits, releasing a best of album, The Late Great PFR, right as they left the music scene. Last year PFR reunited to record a new song for the Roaring Lambs compilation on Squint Records. At that point they realized that they missed making music together, so they made plans for a new album. Disappear is the product of that decision.

In all fairness, this album has to be compared to PFR's last full-length one, Them, in order to see what kind of progress they have made, but Disappear is less like Them and more like a mix of older albums Great Lengths and Goldie's Last Day. However, PFR is doing something new with the music on Disappear. These songs are fresh, yet definitely PFR. Still, it is not nearly as good as Them. The band is taking more of a stab at the adult contemporary market with this new release, which is forgivable and indeed understandable since they are half a decade older now, but it diminishes my appreciation of the album.

Comparisons to previous PFR aside, if we look at Disappear simply on its own merit, as if it were the first album that a new band named PFR ever made (which is how some will see it since they weren't into PFR back in their heyday), this could be quite an experience. Songs like "Amsterdam" and "Gone" show that PFR has a penchant for writing good songs and can still rock. The quality and singalongability in a song like "All Ready" will gain many fans. The toned-down, yet incredibly perfect song "Missing Love," showcasing the amazing voice of Patrick Andrew shouldn't be overlooked. As a debut album for a new band in today's scene, this would be something quite special.

Whether you were into PFR way back when or not, this should be checked out. If you liked them then, you will be happy to be hearing them again. If not, you may find a new favorite.

3.5 tocks