Reviews
Reviewed by Brenten Gilbert, CM Central
They say that the best movie soundtracks are the ones that you don't even notice. The idea behind the soundtrack is to create an atmosphere conducive to becoming so absorbed in the film that you feel like you're actually a part of it. When the music matches up with the tone of scenes it actually enhances your viewing experience rather than taking you away from the action. Conversely, hearing the soundtrack apart from the movie should stir up similar emotions and perhaps conjure up images from the film.
Andy Hunter has had quite a bit of success finding cinematic homes for his music, landing spots in trailers for several movies including The Matrix: Reloaded, The Italian Job, and National Treasure, television shows such as Alias, as well as several video games. All these accomplishments should come as no surprise, considering the creativity and artistry poured into each song. With Life, Hunter showcases his talent once again melding together a vast number of individual pieces - sounds, effects, rhythms, etc - into spectacular finished products. Every track provides a high-energy look at life and explores ways to make it more fulfilling.
With seamless integration and a spectacular ear for melody, Andy Hunter forges new paths in the well-traveled grounds of the dance and electronica musical genres. With such entrancing music, however, it's easy to overlook the lyrics (yes, there are lyrics). Since the nature of the music is fluid and steeped in a non-traditional sense of rhythmic patterns, standard formatting of verses and chorus don't apply, freeing Hunter up to include lyrics that are more poetic than one might expect. For instance, the words that accompany the six and a half minute "Come On" simply form one statement urging for change, for God's Kingdom to come. Other tracks, such as "Lifelight" and "To Life, To Love" have distinct verses and choruses, but don't conform to a typical rhyme scheme.
Despite being only a seven song EP, Life still manages to fill out the better part of an hour (forty-three minutes) and provides a wonderful soundtrack for the life that it celebrates. Encouraging an active pursuit of holiness and a relationship with God, Andy Hunter delivers a sonic treat topped off with emotional, moving lyrics. A powerful piece of music, Life can make just about anyone become a fan of dance music.
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