Joy Electric – Workmanship 7"
Label: Republic of Texas Recordings
Style: Synth Pop, Indie, Electronica
Released: 2005
My Grade: 4 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Kraftwerk, Goodnight Star, House of Wires

The musical genius that is Ronnie Martin is at it again. He is the mastermind behind Joy Electric, the most prolific act in the underground electronic scene. His creativity and steadfastness to stick to making the music he enjoys making (instead of following the latest gimmick) has endeared him to many over the last ten years. What’s more amazing than the amount of albums this guy has put out is how he continues to deliver high quality and truly original music that almost defies categorization. Upon each new album he seems to perfect his craft a little more and the “Workmanship 7” is no exception. This is essentially an EP to herald “The Ministry of Archers” album set to be released August 30 th of this year. If the songs on this 7” are any indication of what the new record will sound like then Ronnie has created another masterpiece.

“Sheffield Youth” starts us off. This song sounds more stripped down than the compositions on Joy Electric’s last full length “Hello, Mannequin” it has a fresh sound to it. I’m amazed at how he can get so many new sounds out of the synthesizers that he uses. The second song disappoints me greatly because we are treated to a spacey-skittering electronic piece that abruptly ends after 30 seconds, this song should’ve been at least fifteen minutes or so longer. Those who love experimental journeying in the vein of John Cage or David Behrman you will love the aptly titled “OHM 1.” Hopefully “The Ministry of Archers will have a song or two reminiscent of this one. “Workmanship” ends with the bittersweet “Mistook” words fail me to describe the majesty that is contained in this song. Basically it’s a gift from heaven above, ‘nuff said! One hundred of these were released on stunning baby blue vinyl but do not fret there are still white vinyl copies left so get your copy before they are all gone. These tracks aren’t going to be released in any other format anytime soon making this a must have for JE fans.

Reviewed by: Aaron

Official Website: joyelectric.com