Ronnie Martin sure knows how to make an EP. At eleven tracks and just over a half-hour in duration, the Friend of Mannequin EP has more substance than a lot of full lengths coming out these days. Die-hard Joy Electric fans will no doubt find most of the album to their liking, as it includes some interesting alternate takes to songs that appeared on the exceptional Hello, Mannequin. Martin-enthusiasts will also likely enjoy the thought-provoking interview making up the final three tracks of the album in which the atypical front man talks about everything from the history of Joy Electric to their place in the Christian music industry of today.
If you have yet to fall in love with the monosynth, or simply consider yourself a "casual J.E. fan" however, Friend of Mannequin is probably not for you. Take my advice and just stick with Hello, Mannequin for now. This EP is "addicts only."
2/4
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth May 2005Reviewed by Jonathan AvantsThe lil' brudder of Joy Electric's 2004 LP, Hello, Mannequin, the Friend of Mannequin EP includes five new JE tracks, three remixes, and a three part interview where Ronnie Martin, brainchild of Joy Electric, talks about his band and his most recent LP. The new JE tracks are a mixed bag. "Friend of Mannequin" is fun to listen to the first few spins, but much like the track "Who Are Friends?" from…Similar sounding releases
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