STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 87037-16169 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Single ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
Undercurrent is the nome-de-disc of Kent-based singer/songwriter Chris Hansen and this is the follow up to his 2007 EP 'Occams Razor' sees Chris maintain his high production values in this two-track single. Recorded at Kent's Squarehead Studios after some delays and complications, this recording showcases on "Long Time Coming" a mature vocal delivery and a keen production sensibility with the track building from a drum loop to a wash of layered synths and harmonies. Hansen chooses to portray an enigmatic element towards his Christian beliefs and leaves it to the listener to interpret his songs with no direct reference to God. Whilst this can work well if executed correctly, the second track "Extremely Balanced" sees Hansen rattle off a selection of worldview sayings such as "live every day as if it was your last one" and "all we need is love" without really offering a succinct take on this perceived wisdom. Nonetheless, a pleasing release that will hopefully soon be expanded a full album.
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not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed
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Good review. I know Chris so I'm not going to give my biased
opinion on his music but thought I'd add a bit of background
to the comments about the song meaning. Chris tries to be a
bit more subtle, intelligent and I guess deeper with his
faith through his music and avoids the direct approach. Some
of the meaning is not always immediately obvious like
'extremely balanced' which is actually having a dig at those
perceived wisdoms that we get fed by the media, it is a poke
at the emptiness of these sayings. I, like the reviewer,
hope we get an album some time soon as I think Christian
music needs songwriting that is less obvious, requires some
de-constructing and makes you think.
Good review. I know Chris so I'm not going to give my biased opinion on his music but thought I'd add a bit of background to the comments about the song meaning. Chris tries to be a bit more subtle, intelligent and I guess deeper with his faith through his music and avoids the direct approach. Some of the meaning is not always immediately obvious like 'extremely balanced' which is actually having a dig at those perceived wisdoms that we get fed by the media, it is a poke at the emptiness of these sayings. I, like the reviewer, hope we get an album some time soon as I think Christian music needs songwriting that is less obvious, requires some de-constructing and makes you think.