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JFH Music Review


Chasing Furies, 'With Abandon'
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Chasing Furies
With Abandon



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 53 minutes, 29 seconds
Street Date: 1999


READER RATING:   


Are you looking for a band as hard-driven and haunting as Plumb, with lyrics as profound as Jars of Clay, and as musically creative as Mukala? Then look no further, for Chasing Furies is your answer.

At first glance (both at their songs and their appearances), no one would guess they were devoted to spreading the Gospel. Body piercings and shaggy haircuts do not particularly lead one to believe that all members of Chasing Furies are children of a pastor, and none of their songs contain an obvious reference to their Savior, but that is exactly what Chasing Furies are all about: looking beyond the surface.

Their debut album, With Abandon, opens with the modern rock song "Thicker." It immediately shows you the musical creativity of the Meeker siblings, who wrote all the songs on their album. Lead singer, Sarah Meeker, sings with clarity and crispness, similar to the voice of Sarah Masen. She, and brother Joshua, handle the electric/acoustic guitars, while the youngest Meeker, Rachel, plays the piano and sings backup.

The next song that caught my attention was "I Would Drown," where Joshua took over for lead vocals. It's a haunting song, causing me to stop what I was doing and listen. The rest of the album is similar sounding, ending with a slow, jazz-like song called "Wait Forever." Overall, I really admire the way they've incorporated the piano and background sounds (like cicadas) into their songs to create the effect and mood. Their lyrics are honest, profound and reflective. The overall theme of With Abandon is the reality of our frailty and error, and still we long to be loved so much.

If Miss Angie were a cheerleader, then Chasing Furies would be those kids at school who hang around the art room and never say anything in class because they're busy doodling in their notebook. I give With Abandon two thumbs up.

- Review date: 4/13/99, written by Natasha Poon for Jesusfreakhideout.com




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JFH Staff's Second Opinion



Like a supernova, the trio of siblings known as Chasing Furies burst onto the music scene and nearly as quickly faded away, a victim of the one-hit-wonder status. It was at the turn of the century (1999) and they may have been unnoticed by many listeners distracted by the popularity of ska, hip-hop, and alt-rock that had dominated those last few years. But this band left an indelible impression on me and I always wished for more. Ultimately, though, I'm grateful to have With Abandon in my 90s collection. It's easily one of my favorite of the decade in CCM. With haunting female-led vocals reminiscent of early Plumb, and a precursor to the gothic rock vibes of Evanescence to come, Chasing Furies truly had a sound of their own, far outstripping their age and lack of experience in the industry. The biggest highlights of this stellar work are the rocking opener "Thicker," the hook-laden "Enchanted," and the swirling and harmonious "Romance Me." If for some reason this one wasn't on your radar and you are a fan of bands of the era, like Plumb, early Sixpence None the Richer, and/or the lyrical heft of a Jars of Clay, then you may have just found a new (old) favorite album. - Review date: 12/13/24, Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com

. Record Label: Sparrow Records
. Album length: 11 tracks, 53 minutes and 29 seconds
. Street Date: 1999
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  • Thicker (3:57)
  • Throw Me (5:00)
  • I Would Drown (5:50)
  • Fair Night's Longing (3:41)
  • Enchanted (4:35)
  • I Surrender (5:02)
  • Romance Me (3:42)
  • Writhe for Hearing (5:10)
  • Nothing (6:12)
  • Whisper Softly (3:28)
  • Wait Forever (6:52)

     

     



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