If I had a vote for "Most rad band of the day", I would use it to vote for Joe Christmas. No, Joe Christmas isn't a person, it's a band made up of four guys who used to be/still are art students in Atlanta. With a knack for getting inside your head and presenting aspects of life in a most creative, yet most simple way, that I often find myself wondering "Why didn't I think of that?"

Musically, they are almost as creative, yet simple as their lyrics. Most descriptions I've heard of the band characterize their style as indie rock - not quite polished, not the most musically astounding thing you'll hear, but certainly one of the most interesting. The way I see it, Joe Christmas is a metaphor for the common American youth, working through life in his or her head. The music reflects the questions, the personal sentiments and the appearance of life to our generation. It's almost like the band backs up Zachary who signs about the ups and downs of life with a consciousness that is of the same mind as the verbal thoughts. It's as if the name Joe Christmas symbolizes an average Joe. At the same time, these guys reflect a Christian perspective on the issues that they develop. Sometimes this reflection is verbal, while other times they use the inflection in Zachary's voice or in the music to cast a new light on the words being sung.

Thus the Christian perspective they demonstrate is seen in the second part of their name : "Christmas". JOE - the average kid working through sinful life as a human, CHRISTMAS - their unique reflection which is all about Christ's coming to earth and providing salvation from our sins; the escape from and answer to the sinful life in consideration.

Don't quote me on this, or take my word as the band's intention. I haven't spoken with them, but I think that this metaphor helps describe the band both musically and lyrically, which is that task at hand.

Besides being some deep imagery about life as a Christian youth in America today, Joe Christmas is just cooler than a lot of other stuff out there. It's fun. It covers a whole variety of emotions, however it is a welcome break from the anger and power of the majority of today's youthful music. At Cornerstone '96 this past summer, I was fortunate enough to see these guys play a late night show. One of the most memorable points in the show came when someone in the band needed a minute to fix something or other, so the rest of the band pulled the coolest mock cover of "Head Like a Hole" by Nine Inch Nails. Joe Christmas is anything but angry, heretical industrial music, and their outlook on life is much different, so to hear their version of the song which made it sound happy and pretty was a blast. Just like their album. Have fun kids.

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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 years 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 like "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 introduction, 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 sometimes be difficult to identify with music so beautiful and joyful.

Brian Smith
briansmi@ecn.purdue.edu

Sept. '96