Andy Hunter

Item: Life
Author: Joe Montague

Life

(2005)

Reviewed by Joe Montague

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Label Sparrow RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2005

dance pop electronic electronica techno

Andy Hunter's CD Life is to be enjoyed. If you are going to be one of those stodgy types who is going to read this review with the attitude that techno music really isn't music at all then don't. There is an entire generation under the age of thirty that has already denied you that right and solidly entrenched techno as a musical genre.

Life was co-produced, written, mixed and recorded by Andy Hunter and Tedd T. with Brent Milligan acting as Executive Producer.

With only six audio tracks, the CD may appear a little light at first glance until you realize the album is actually forty-four minutes long. In fact I am not sure why the label EMI has listed this recording as an EP considering its length exceeds that of a lot of CDs considered to be full length.

I started this review by saying that the album Life is all about entertainment. If you are looking for the traditional "let's all lift our hands in praise to God as we sing songs with familiar sounding lyrics," Life is not the album for you. If you would like to be entertained by an artist whose music has given him a highly visible platform in the general public, among Microsoft executives, the business and technology sectors, then lay down some cash and snap up these techno grooves.

I often tire of hearing people debate whether or not an artist should only record Christian music, whatever that is supposed to mean. I consider the obligation of any individual on the Christian arts scene to simply ensure they do not dishonor God. Andy Hunter is certainly safe on that front. Beyond that this music is good dance music - hey watch the criticism, David danced before the Lord.

In a recent interview with Tastyfresh Hunter was quoted as saying, that he doesn't distinguish between Christian and mainstream music and doesn't believe we should either. The most telling part of the interview came when he said, "For me my music always comes from a place of worship and hearing God."

My only real criticism of the album is "Open My Eyes" and "Come On," tracks one and two respectively sound too much alike to be placed this closely together on the CD.

The number three beat on this album is the song "Alive" and Christine Glass ("Love and Poverty"-1999) adds her dreamy voice to this tune making it the best track on the project. Kate Westall guests on "Wonderful" adding her vocals to Hunter's and the result is Enya meets the Pet Shop Boys.

I listened to the CD several times before reading the press releases and came to the conclusion this is a guy whose music should be used as the musical score in film. Well lo and behold I read the press release and learned that is just what happened with his 2002 CD release Exodus. Hunter's music appeared in Matrix: Reloaded (trailer), The Italian Job and ABC's hit TV show Alias. His music has also been used for video games such as Matrix and Black Hawk Down. I would suggest that several of the latest offerings found on Life will also find their way to film, TV or the video market.

This CD is the perfect gift for someone that thinks Christians cannot compose music that is both fun and relevant. Who knows it may give you an opportunity to share your faith.