Reviewed by Andy Shaw

As many Cross Rhythms readers will know, Andy has seen much success over the years as a techno/trance producer and DJ with tracks appearing in movies and video games. His current focus is now on his Presence Project to inspire people in reflection and prayer through the creative arts with elements including music, poetry, video and photography. Content is delivered through the Presence App providing a collection of chapters that can be used to guide your reflections and prayers. For those familiar with Andy Hunter's previous work, which has traditionally been high energy, pumping dance music, this is a definite change in pace designed to act as a soundtrack to help focus on God. The soundscapes have been carefully constructed and show a real sensitivity to the rhythm of prayer with a sense of breathing in through reflective washing synths and strings on "Awe" followed by the breathing out through the pulsing bass on "Wonder". Each track name has also been carefully thought out with the music perfectly capturing the feel implied by the name from the bright xylophone tone on "Light" to the jagged bass and beat on "Broken". Whilst these are pure instrumental tracks, vocals are used as an additional instrument to augment the atmosphere with the delicate hummed female vocal on "Wide Open" and the vibrato of Welsh opera singer Ros Evans featured on "Glorious". This record perfectly fits the remit of providing an aid to help focus and reflect on God, providing a background soundscape that doesn't distract or detract from that focus. With that in mind this is not a record that you would put on if you were just looking to immerse yourself in the music but in the context for which it was produced this is a well-constructed work and I would thoroughly recommend getting hold of the Presence App and trying it out for yourself.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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