When I first saw that there were fourteen tracks on this record from The Echoing Green, I couldn't believe that this was an EP. But when I noticed the same title ("Suffer") claimed all of ten songs I realized this would be no ordinary EP. What I found was a single idea being approached from several different angles.

This EP feels as if Joey had several different versions for the same song and not knowing which to choose, threw all of them on one record. In reality, this song was part of a remix contest in which the top songs were featured on this EP. To some extent, this wasn't a bad idea considered that this is an EP (most EP's I've seen rarely offer more than 7 tracks). Joey was obviously trying to add space to the record by filling it with these remixes and also by giving a spotlight for those who excelled in remixing the song.

The "best" mix of the EP title song appears at the beginning of the record and is appropriately the orignal. The song itself is a beautiful work and is probably one of The Echoing Green's best yet. Joey sings, "Isn't this world something wonderful that we were made to suffer both its majesty and cruelty? And is grace not something beautiful that we were made to suffer the lucid touch of clemency?" leaving the audience with a sense of irony that makes us realize how bittersweet this world is. Musically, the song excels as it gleams with artistic touch that only The Echoing Green can bring. However, if the original doesn't work for you, there are nine other variations to work with.

The other remixes fill most of the space on the record. Some highlights are the "Self Inflicted Club Mix," "4 Nform Mix," "Liquid Newt Mix," and "River of Talus Mix." What would have made this EP better is if some of the remixes were cut. Also, let us not forget that there are actually other songs on this record besides "Suffer." Unfortunately, these songs lacked the depth that Suffer possessed. "Dead Hearts" was the only other song on the record that really seemed to have quality.

All in all, This is a pretty good EP. "Suffer" is truly an outstanding song that shines on this release. Most of the remixes shine too, though about half of them should have been left out. "Flame" and "Here is the House" brought the record down and it's a shame since there were only four original songs to begin with. Thankfully, "Dead Hearts" was able to bring it back up a bit.

JFH Reader Review: written by Stephen McLeod, 5/24/08, for Jesusfreakhideout.com