The Echoing Green can be considered one of the foremost dance groups in existence, and the release of their self-titled third studio album finds Joey Belville & Co. once again on the cutting edge of music. Working with the ultra-talented Deepsky team of J. Scott G. and Jason has put a pure electronic spin on the Echoing Green's usual happy synth-pop sound, catapulting this album well into the future. Fans who are used to the energetic, "aggressive smile-pop" that characterizes The Echoing Green will not be disappointed, while newcomers to the scene are given a great place to jump on board.
The style of this disc can be termed "electronic dance," but what does that mean? For the Echoing Green, it's subtle guitars mixed back so they don't overpower, a lot of electronic and ambient keyboards which build up a mysterious, emotional atmosphere, and good, heavy beats and bass lines to move the feet. The Echoing Green sheds the overt guitar of Hope Springs Eternal, but keeps the aggressive and exciting nature of that last album, even kicking it up a notch. Belville has always been a trendsetter, and this album is no exception. He co-wrote seven of the twelve tracks, some with J. Scott G., some with Jerome Fontamillas (of Fold Zandura). And speaking of Fold Zandura, Jyro wrote two tracks, "Hide" and "Tonight." However, neither of those tracks nor anything on the album sounds like his band - in fact, "Tonight" is the most Echoing Green-like song on the album. Rather than make it sound like the producer's bands, these collaborations set Belville free to explore what the Echoing Green could be.
Overall, The Echoing Green is a first-rate effort, with top-quality production and songwriting, classy pop hooks, and driving rhythm tracks. The Echoing Green's sound - bright synth melody lines and Belville's stunning voice flowing smoothly over the top - is augmented by guitars, electronic effects, and DJ O'Brien's record-scratching for a full-band sound. Female vocals (some of which are contributed by labelmate Sherri Youngward) provide perfect harmonies. The songs range from happy pop ("Tonight," "The Power Cosmic") to moody and contemplative ("Empath," "Hide") to aggressive ("Redemption"). Of note are the '80s cover tunes, which stem from Belville's thorough love for all things '80s. "Accidentally 4th Street (Gloria)" sounds like he could've written it himself, with a fast beat and message contemplating the poverty of American culture. This is followed by one of my favorite tracks, a cover of the new wave classic "Safety Dance," originally recorded by Men Without Hats. Though it doesn't have much meaning spiritually, the fabulous musical arrangement will make most listeners forgive that. It's a lot of fun and, for some of us, quite nostalgic. It should be a killer in concert. In fact, I look forward to seeing this whole album performed live.
Lyrically, it seems as if Belville sees and understands life a level above many people. His concern is for people, not for himself or some sense of right. He has always emphasized the loving, compassionate heart of God and empathy for pain, confusion, and failure. The themes of healing that exist in all his work can be heard here in "Hide" and "Believe," especially. (The latter, by the way, can be found on the Science Fiction indie disc as Belville's answer to the pain presented in Joy Electric's "Candy Cane Carriage.") Along with the music itself, the lyrics on this album are epic, uplifting, and pointed, both sympathetic to those that are hurting, and ranting against the ills of American culture. They offer encouragement without forcing doctrines or boxes for anyone's faith. There is a good balance between emotion and spiritual truth.
I immediately loved this album, and have been playing it nonstop since I got it. It takes a couple twists and turns which are unusual for the Echoing Green, like the instrumental jam "Freak Out" and the wordless, ambient "Elyon," but these are just as good as the straight songs. It definitely will make many listeners want to jump up and down, but there are also complex emotional themes offered for thinking. The album is fresh and inviting, and sets a new standard for quality in the dance realm. Echoing Green fans will love it, and anyone who digs dance music should find it fantastic. Even if you're not sure about techno, but you're looking for something new and exciting that's musically well done, give The Echoing Green a spin. You just may get sucked into Joey B's world and (like me) never want to leave.
Other coverage for this album
7ball #20Reviewed by Derek WalkerJoey Belville, the mastermind behind The Echoing Green, has been playing his form of self-described "aggressive smile-pop" since his 1992 debut, Defend Your Joy. He's built a considerable fanbase since then. Now, with his self-titled fourth release, Belville is poised for breakthrough. His penchant for creating Euro-pop soundscapes covered with twitching hi-hats and catchy melodies is impressive,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Steve WhiteIf you're sick of all the cookie-cutter grunge bands filling Christian bookstore shelves, but are scared of the faceless world of electronic music, The Echoing Green offers a fun and joyful musical option. Their high-intensity, melody-driven pop music has been gaining fans the past few years. They deftly avoid the problems that befall many techno acts, like overproduction and emotionless…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by John Vanden HeuvelOnce upon a time, keyboards ruled the airwaves. Then they vanished. Slowly they've been coming back, and one of the best examples lies in The Echoing Green. Once again Joey Belville has gone into the studio and given us a lovely piece of electronic ear-candy. The Echoing Green, their 5th cd and third complete album, is full of the 80's retro sound, while looking ahead into the future. In what…
