J o y F o c u s

"There are moments when you get to hear something special that makes all of the hard work involved in running a music site worth it, Cyber Suburban Electro Rock Circus, from the band JoyFocus falls into that rare category..."

- 9.8 out of 10 - C.W. Ross - Indie Music Stop.com


"Cyber Suburban Electro Rock Circus"...it's a lengthy title, but it pretty much sums up the music on this cd...it's got elements of rock & pop & each song has 'single' quality to it which means that basically the entire cd is very radio friendly.."

- 6 out of 6 Stars - Bob Suehs - Rock 'n Roll Experience.com


"... a fine band multi-instrumentalist Rikk Currence and singer Holly Joy have got, as evidenced by the effervescent mix of modern synth-pop, vintage Queen orchestral bombast, the occasional Prince-like funk flourish and all-around melodic goodness on their third and latest indie album since 2001, "Cyber Suburban Electro Rock Circus." That may be a lengthy title, but it also is an accurate description of the gleeful sounds streaming on the group's Web site--and that's the honest to God truth."

- Jim DeRogatis - Chicago Sun-Times


"...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...."

- Powerpopaholic.com


"This Band reminds me of so many different Band's and styles, they also very influenced by music of the past. Coming from America I expected JoyFocus to sound very commercial, however I was very impressed! It's old and modern, fast and slow, heavy and soft and it works! Im sure we will be seeing a lot more from this very talented duo."

- Craig Jones - rocklinks.co.uk


"...It’s safe to say that on Cyber Suburban Electric Rock Circus JoyFocus found what they are looking for. Even with strong Christian themes, this may be one of most dynamic pop/rock albums to come across my desk in quite a while. JoyFocus is a musical force to be reckoned with, delivering a positive message through big, hook-heavy pop/rock songs that just won’t leave you alone."

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

- Wildy Haskell - Wildy's World


"...Joy and Currence make no apologies for creating music that doesn't attempt to gel with the latest indie rock trends, or for outwardly dealing with their faith in their material. Combine that with their knack for writing a tune that ingrains itself in your head after just one listen, and you have a truly refreshing Windy City rock act."

- Frank Krolicki - Windy Ciy Rock


"...JoyFocus is made up of musician Rikk Currence and singer Holly Joy, their music is radio friendly and full of artistic expression. The play list of JoyFocus’ latest album, Cyber Suburban Electro Rock Circus, is made up of compelling music and lyrics that produce emotion that any audience could relate to. Think drums, loud guitars, massive vocals, intense lyrics and a unique sound and you have JoyFocus"

- Femail.com.au (Australia)


"...Together, the two musicians have created one of the best musical partnerships in the music industry today..."

- Matheson Kamin - reviewyou.com


"Even with an affinity for several late '70s/early '80s rockers, the female fronted JoyFocus is decidedly current with its alternative rock explorations. Like a modern day Eurythmics, the group deftly combines synth-pop with stadium rock—and even breathes fresh life into the Eurythmics' "Here Comes the Rain Again."

- 4 out of 5 stars - Monica Stahl - Christianity Today

"JoyFocus "Mr Hughes Come Home" - One of Chicago's finest, JoyFocus unleash their new music on the EP "Ultra Catchy Atomic Pop Interlude Volume 1", and this outstanding cut is wonderfully produced and perfectly sung! Don't be surprised if this lands on a ton of iPods, since their music has influences all over the place, and they pull it off with perfection. You can tell that this band loves great music, because that is that is the kind of music that JoyFocus makes! "

- popbang radio

JoyFocus is a power rock due from Wheaton, IL, consisting of Holly Joy and Rikk Currence. Dancing around the edge of contemporary Christian rock, JoyFocus displays powerfully positive messages in their songs.

Ultra Catchy Atomic Pop Interlude - Volume 1 consists of three songs. Rikk Currence shares vocals with Holly Joy on He & Mary. Their voices are in perfect counterpoint to each other, she with a child-like quality reminiscent of Cyndi Lauper, circa-1985; he with a mellow baritone. On Mr. Hughes Comes Home and Prayer the lead is all Holly Joy. Her enigmatic sound wraps itself in the music like a trusted friend, particularly when Currence joins in on harmony in Prayer.

This is just a small sample, but it's obvious that JoyFocus has a certain spark or chemistry that turns the connection of notes and words into something more than just the song. They have a full length release due in the Fall of 2008, and I will be excited to see what that brings.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

- Wildy's World

One of the best power pop songs in the nation (Hello).
This band is on its way”

- Chicago Music Showcase -

“Instant Anything is an instant hit! This is a great band with
a Garbage type feel. Very polished and radio ready.”

- Taylor Made Entertainment -

“The irresistible power pop/rock of JoyFocus will hook you!
Spine-tingling female vocals wrapped around rocking guitars
and a solid rhythm section. Sounds like ABBA meets
REO Speedwagon.”

- Home Pride Chicago -

“Catchy music from a 3 piece band that understands
catchy. They manage to do all that top 40 stuff without the
excesses of radio pop. Great chorus (Undone), plus a welcome
return to guitars in this music genre.”

- Skinny Robbie’s House of Pop -

“Delectable infectious anthem to the radio (Instant
Anything)! This is very good stuff from a Chicago band that
has the common sense to be fans of Cheap Trick, Enuff Z’
Nuff, and the Marvelous 3.”

- Bang Shang A Lang - MP3.com

“If there is any justice in the world, JoyFocus will be hugely
successful. They rock and have a sound that blows me
away!”

- Apple Pie Radio -

“An unusual three-piece band, as two musicians play
everything while the third handles all the vocals. Super
Happy Family Wish Record sounds like the $5.99 special
at Lee Ho Fook’s, but the band’s image is a hybrid of cartoon
imagery and professional wrestling. You probably
wouldn’t know what to expect when if you saw the record
in the store, but Joy Focus covers a few bases anyway.
“Hello” and “Undone” are nice showcases for Joy’s vocals,
which can sound almost teen-pop on some tracks yet sultry
on others. As for the music, Rikk Currence and Ray
Kainz can knock out some infectious pop (like the bouncy
“Two Days”) or play funkmaster (“Count Me Out”) as the
need arises. Despite the sometimes dense production, I
like the way the band plays around with arrangements and
vocal layering; it gives each of the seven tracks its own
personality. “

- Bill Holmes - Cosmik Debris Magazine

“Holly Joy heads up this group and brings her own sultry
brand of Power Pop to her tunes. The style of the song
stays loyal to all that has gone before in this field, offering
much “Joy”(excuse the pun), happiness and dance into
your life. The lady can clearly sing with confidence, good
diction, and clarity, and delivers this well constructed vocal
with consummate ease.”

- Plusspro - Gods of Music.com