Musician Rikk Currence & singer Holly Joy have self produced this radio friendly, accessible slice of modern pop called “Cyber Suburban Electro Rock Circus.” Although the group is unsigned, this is by no means a lame DIY sounding pair of amateurs. The music is slick and dramatic, boasting heavy rock riffs and a professional pop sheen, that is meticulously produced. Holly’s vocals are sunny and seductive, and comes across like a combination of Shania Twain and Britney Spears, without all the faux diva theatrics. By contrast Rikk plays a hard rock axe similar to Def Leppard or Brian May, which makes this pairing sound unique. Opening with the single-ready “Audrey Is Gone” where Rikk’s near metal riffs give way to Joy’s story of a woman’s freedom from life’s burdens. The group doesn’t wear it’s Christian values 100% on it’s sleeve but it’s there for sure in the lyrics. You can’t help be impressed with the instrumental skill that Currence displays on “Grey Day My Way” with it’s orchestral details. Highlights here are a cover of the Eurythmics “Here Comes the Rain Again” and the catchy chorus in “All That You Need.” My biggest issue with the album is a few songs just go on a bit too long (“Prayer”) and get overly pious (“Halos & Flames” and “Salvation”) for my taste. For some, this doesn’t really qualify as power pop, and will be too mainstream for others, but it is highly polished pop for sure. You can only get this on the JoyFocus website.
My Space | JoyFocus website