About This Album________________________________________________________

​

It had been more than a decade since Troy Jonathan Ritchie and Christina Lovett released any new music, but the wait was well worth it.   The first single, on the EP, "So Surreal" is unlike anything the duo has released before, and if this is the direction the two are going, they have a bright future in Christian music. Independent bands these days rely on their creativity to gain exposure and the genius behind releasing "So Surreal" and "So Surreal (Side B)", highlights both artist’s talents. 

"So Surreal" is a modern day telling of Mary Magdalene’s coming-to-Christ moment.  The song describes her nearly stalking the man, who draws a large crowd, and she asks the question, “What about me?” It starts with a sultry piano, and is performed as spoken word, but ends with a powerful rock explosion demonstrating the casting out of Mary’s seven demonic spirits.  

The tension between styles is unlike anything we’ve heard in Christian music.   "So Surreal (Side B)", is a stripped-down version performed by Christina at the piano, and is just as impactful in provoking the realization that, even though we don’t deserve it, God’s mercy is always there for each of us.

"Dear John" is almost adult contemporary in style, reminiscent of the 2003 release, "His Majesty" *. The lyrics to "Dear John", are powerful and describe how torn we become when we finally have to say goodbye to those who once professed Christ, only to later turn their back on Him.  The song’s climactic ending with Troy belting, “Jesus still loves you”, while we hear Christina’s heartfelt prayer asking Adonai to hear our cry, might bring even the strongest to tears.

Last but not least, is the 2003 release of "Happily Ever After", * that puts us at that moment where we may have had plans for something big, but something went wrong, taking away all that we had hoped for. The first line, "How come it rained on my birthday, didn't you know there were games to play?", is a cry to God about lost dreams and broken hearts.  But the last line, "Through my tears and my laughter, you're my happily ever after", brings it all together that no matter what happens in our life, we will always serve Him.

​

​

5 Song EP

(CD (Eco Jacket) / WaveMaker Records 2014 / * Lift Music 2003) 

​

Reviews__________________________________________________________________

​

​