While Until June may not be strangers of Christian music, they have not yet been acquainted with huge success (before changing their name from Until June, the band, under the name Juune, released the Unnoticed EP in '03). However after their self titled debut on Flicker Records in 2007 and a label change, the Arizona natives are poised to put themselves into the spotlight starting with the Sound Of Defeat EP.

The EP is aptly titled since neither defeat nor frustration are a foreign concept to the group in their attempt to even get signed. While not directly relating to Until June's struggles, the title track does delve into the importance of rising from defeat and Christ's role in that process. The musical side of the "Sound Of Defeat" includes solid pop rock which is fueled well by Josh Ballard's lead vocals which give the song a triumphal tone.

The satisfying ballad "In My Head" maintains a very good light pop pace which keeps it interesting and which should also appeal to a variety of listeners. The pop music driving "The Man Who Lost His Soul" is good, but the beat of the track uncannily resembles the sound of Family Force 5's "Share It With Me" (without most of the synth). The song also offers an encouraging look into Until June's song writing as the lyrics contain good metaphors mixed with Biblical truth ("I gained the world, lost my soul/is there no one to save me").

What's not so encouraging is the less than overwhelming, and, in some cases, laughable girl/guy clichés presented on the other three tracks. It's possible that "The World Ends Tonight" was supposed to have a more penetrating meaning than just a high school-like drama, but the immature music accompanying it doesn't help the cause. Even though both "Baby" and "Nobody" are piano driven songs that contain an innovative alternative edge, each song is ruined by Ballard overextending his already high vocals.

Only the first of two forecasted six song releases, the Sound Of Defeat EP appears to be Until June's way of keeping pace with the EP (or EPs) first-album later craze. Despite some solid messages and music, you still won't want to play the band's music after listening to their mainstream counterparts Coldplay.

- Review date: 6/12/09, written by Nathaniel Schexnayder of Jesusfreakhideout.com