Joy Electric "We Are the Music Makers" Tooth and Nail

**WARNING** : Opinions in this review do not concur with the those of the majority of music listeners. This review reflects tastes that are uncommon and will not be shared with the majority of those who read this. Readers must assume personal responsibility for their actions. No financial claims will be honored by the GC or the author of this article should you spend your own money on this album and do not appreciate it.

Joy Electric has been a source of controversy, a recipient of ridicule and a casualty of the closed mind for longer than it's existence. To bring those of you unfamiliar with Joy Electric up to speed, there is one (genius) man behind the name. Ronnie Martin has been producing synth-pop influenced by the rave scene for several ye ars now. A brief discography would date the previous Joy Electric full length to 1994, a Joy Electric EP to 1995, Rainbow Rider (a different project) to 1993, 2 discs under Dance House Children (an even earlier band) to 1991 and 1992.

Not to be confused with Starflyer 59, Ronnie's brother Jason Martin's current band, Joy Electric is dedicated to the purest form of synth pop. On this latest album, Ronnie includes the following in the linear notes: "There were no samples, drum machines , computers, effects or traditional instruments used on this record. All sounds were created from scratch on the synthesizer with the intent of making the Purest form of synthetic music possible." The result is amazing. Beautiful and intricate melodies are interlaced with perfectly mixed voices and sounds of all synthetic varieties. The finished product is extremely well produced and each song, while unique in and of itself is part of a larger collection as a whole.

Set to a medieval theme, Count Ronald Martin (as he dubs himself) appears in 10 songs, singing everything from praise to Jesus to love songs inspired by a love founded in Christ. The lyrics also reflect the medieval theme in their construction. Lines li ke "Hitherto great lamentations consume us" and "Our love carries us/ Down the Road To Monarchy" are found in few other modern collections poetry.

It should also be noted that though the Count has previously tipped his royal hat to the rave scene, this is in no way rave music. Each song has a persistent and delightful melody, a well developed lyric sung in verse and chorus format and a definite int roduction, body and conclusion, unlike the endless, formless rave mixes of the day.

I would advise you to develop an opinion of Joy Electric outside of what the current "alternative" fans would tell you. And give Ronnie at least a couple weeks to sink in. As our society is engrossed in it's own rage, tragedy and misery, it can sometime s be difficult to identify with music so beautiful and joyful.

Brian Smith
briansmi@ecn.purdue.edu

CCM