First full-length release for Fuller Still Local music group has cut an impressive CD 05/31/06 Christopher Richmann Respond to this story Email this story to a friend Color and Feeling, Fuller Still, Josh & Gail Brecht, Justin Rimbo, Graham Peterson. Compact Disc. 46 minutes. 2006. $15 (s/h extra). 763/226-0404, www. fullerstll.com. The first full-length release from Minneapolis-based acoustic pop quartet Fuller Still is a reminder of how honest Christian music can tackle life’s situations with a blend of faith and curiosity. The album, entitled "Color and Feeling," uses airy melodies to make accessible their smog-thick lyrics of insight and emotion. The group, comprised of husband and wife Josh (guitar) and Gail Brecht (keyboard), Justin Rimbo (bass) and Graham Peterson (drums), utilizes rich harmonies and up tempo major chord progressions. In tracks like the lead “Missing You” and “Compared to No One” a dialectic of strong, poppy tunes and truth-seeking lyrics make for listening with textual and aural depth. Gliding piano arpeggios and tastefully sparse chording from Gail on keys fill out the acoustic guitar-driven tracks. Gail Brecht makes further contributions as her strong yet unassuming vocals carry quieter, reflective tracks such as “How” and “Long for You,” while Josh Brecht and Justin Rimbo trade off lead vocal duties on the rest of the album. The dynamic of multiple lead vocals placed over thoughtful pop-folk tunes keeps the album fresh and lively as it spins through all 11 tracks. Their use of all vocalists calls to mind early Caedmon’s Call albums. Gail Brecht’s voice even resembles, perhaps with greater precision, that of Danielle Young of Caedmon’s Call (also part of a husband-wife team within a band). Listeners of Christian acts such as Chris Rice, Larue and Jars of Clay will enjoy this album bred here in the metro area. In the mainstream market, they may be likened to Sister Hazel and Nickel Creek. Like a lot of spiritual acts with mainstream appeal, Fuller Still relates on their Web site that “while we’re Christians, we never decided to be a ‘Christian band.’ We write music about whatever is influencing us, so it just so happens that a lot of our songs have to do with our relationships with Jesus.” Despite their shying from labels, the songs often convey strong messages of sound biblical conviction. “Who am I that judgment’s mine/when I’ve seen grace cross that line?” sings Josh Brecht in “Compared to No One,” the bands catchiest song. While Color and Feeling charts no new territory musically, Fuller Still stands their ground. Their sound is energetic without being flashy and their lyrics are intelligent without being austere. Fuller Still plans to celebrate the release of the album June 9 at Club Three Degrees in Minneapolis. * * * CD release concert: June 9, Club 3 Degrees. For time, ticket information and directions to the club, visit www.club3degrees.com.