Grace Hotel
  Overall rating: +++-

Album Reviews

After PFR went their separate ways back in 1997, many wondered who would fill the void left in the CCM scene by their departure. As a couple years went by, it became apparent that although artists like Jennifer Knapp, Caedmon's Call and others were becoming the industry's brightest new stars, there was no successor to the pop-rock position PFR had previously occupied. And from all accounts, the band members had no intention of reforming anytime soon.

Fast forward to the summer of 2000. Yours truly began to hear rumors that PFR had reformed and were planning a release on a small indy label the following fall. Not all the rumors were correct, but they carried a hint of truth. PFR did join together for a song on the compilation CD to accompany the book, Roaring Lambs. Not only that, but they also signed with Steve Taylor's Squint Records and began work on their first studio album in five years.

The fruit of their labors is Disappear. It is chock full of everything fans of Joel Hanson, Patrick Andrew and Mark Nash (the guys in the band) have come to expect, with more of a leaning towards all out rock music than anything previously recorded.

Several of the tracks on Disappear also appeared on Hanson's solo CD released last year. It's not bad that they've been recycled--they are all quite good. It's also evident that Hanson has not acquired any rust in his songwriting skills. The sound is heavy with electric guitar, something PFR was hinting at with previous songs like 'Pour Me Out' and 'Walk Away From Love.' However, the overall use doesn't mimic alternative bands like Skillet and Plankeye that refuse to let go.

Like I've said, the album doesn't let anyone down, but my favorite song is the final track, 'You.' This dream-like waltz reminds me of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon.' There are just enough trippy guitar effects to make the soundscape perfect to listen to while attempting sleep. This is the closest to a "jam song" PFR has gotten, and I think it's a testament to their musicianship that they can evade labeling and make the music they want to make. Trust me, its something you'll want to listen to, too.

~ Adam L.

Remember when you were 5 years old, waiting for Christmas Day to come? Those were the most antagonizing moments of your short existence! Keep that in mind. There are few albums that I adamantly wait in anticipation for, impatiently wanting to get my hands on a new offering of music. Like Christmas Day, July 3, 2001 will be another day that could not have come any sooner. In 1997, the men of PFR decided to check themselves out of the music business, sighting lack of creativity and motivation. After four long years of looking at the cruelly titled The Late, Great PFR, the announcement came though...their coming back to fill the hole in Christian music that they made with their departure. The new album, Disappear, does not disappoint. PFR understands the meaning of a solid hook and the do it better than most groups I know of. Joel Hanson's voice shines strong once again on tracks like "Missing Love," the rock ballad that will stand as one of the most powerful PFR songs ever penned and the staggering simplicity of "You" that says more about Jesus in 70 words than in any given sermon: "Every scar You endured, every bit of pain has left its mark on me." Make no mistake, PFR is back. It's just like Elvis reentered the building. The rain is pouring once again. I give this album the highest mark possible: A+.

~ Kevin McNeese

Interviews

jesusfreakhideout

familychristian

cmcentral

Servantsheart

Lyrics

hottest-lyrics

rock-lyric

Mp3 (Downloads)

fortunecity