STYLE: Roots/Acoustic RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 160776-23804 LABEL: Hither & Yon FORMAT: Digital Only Album
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
The second in the 'One Wild Life' trilogy, the latest release from Denver's husband and wife team Michael and Lisa Gungor, is a masterpiece of musical, lyrical and spiritual expression that weaves its way into the soul in a way few albums are able to do. The delightfully upbeat "Magic" kicks off an album that celebrates every aspect of life to the backdrop of the Gungors' innate musical inventiveness that makes for a collection of eclectic tunes that surprise and charm at every turn. With sheer stylistic fluidity, the minimalist funk of "Love Is All" nestles comfortably next to the electro pop of "Kiss The Night" whilst the sublime "Wonder" starts off in classical territory before slowly building to an explosive rock-like finale. Both Michael and Lisa's wistful vocals suit the material perfectly with the latter stealing the limelight in the stunning Eastern-tinged "Body & Blood" - arguably the most arresting moment of the whole album. As with all Gungor releases, the Christian faith is portrayed in cryptic fashion but in a way that gives the listener space to think without the baggage of much-used Christian phraseology all the while offering reassurance that there is a hope beyond the here and now. The incredible "Let Bad Religion Die" showcases the duo's ability to bravely say things that rarely get said in songs - tackling extremism from all walks of religion bolstered by a plea to God for it to end - and crowns the latest in a long line of groundbreaking Gungor creations.
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