The Echoing Green is a synthpop band from Albuquerque, New Mexico founded by Joey Belville in 1992. They are probably one of the least known among Christian bands because of the unappreciated synthpop genre in Christian music. However, The Echoing Green possesses a fresh, unique style among this genre that will make most synthpop fans attracted to it.

Their self titled album is their fifth released and is one of their best albums to date. It starts off with "The Power Cosmic," an ambient, melodic song that gives you the kind of sci-fi feel you would expect from a song bearing such a title. Belville sings, "I've seen the nightfall turn to day/ With every single word you say/ An element of light I long to share/ Something csomic's in the air," expressing his desire to proclaim God's light, an excellent beginning statement.

The album's second track, "Empath," discusses the importance of having compassion and how today's media has desensitized us, "When we turn our eyes/ (From the damage we see on the T.V. screen)/ (We never lock eyes never hear them scream)/ Our passion compromised." It is an excellent song the shows the brilliance in Belville's songwriting.

Other album highlights are "Hide," a funky, upbeat song talking about "hiding in Jesus' care," "Accidentally 4th St. (Gloria)," an extremely fun and catchy song, "Supermodel Citizen," a darker song that discusses self-esteem and how today's media is affecting it, and "Believe."

Some things that may hurt the album is the cover of "Safety Dance" by Men With Hats that sounds nothing like the original, and the song just drags on way too long. Also, the techno remix of "The Power Cosmic" at the end of the album feels poorly composed and redundant. These are minor complaints, however, as the album as a whole is a beautiful masterpiece of music.

JFH Reader Review: written by Stephen McLeod, 1/2/08, for Jesusfreakhideout.com