Reviewed by Dave Drodge

Now that (most of) Myx Records' output is being properly distributed this side of the water it's good to see a band like pop/dance crossover team The Echoing Green getting a couple of releases over here recently, 'Defend Your Joy' being an album of original works from '94. The style is a little hard to explain, but a drum machine-driven beat and Moog-like basslines overlaid with analogue synth sounds and drony vocals reminiscent of early Code Of Ethics is a fairly good description (!). The lyrics are basically in the subtle evangelism/encouragement mode and despite singer Joey Belville's fairly nasal voice; an uplifting effect is achieved due to the reliance on major chords throughout. This also makes it great to, ahem, bop around to. There aren't any exceptional standout tracks but they're all well written and anyhow, the album holds together best as a whole. There are some minus points though. The mix is a little harsh in the treble and the production isn't up to the standard that many Christian releases reached in 1995, the two "CD Bonus Remixes" don't exist (very annoying, not to mention misleading) and those involved in the front cover disaster should be sacked without delay. Negative bits aside though, a highly pleasing, if not particularly refined set of songs.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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