It's been three full years since we've heard new music from Christian DJ Andy Hunter, and while the EP Life kept fans at bay for a while, a true return to a full-length album feel has been missed for almost six years. With twelve new tracks on Colour, Hunter's return is something that JfH and techno fans alike have been waiting for, and it couldn't come at a better time. And you have to wonder - just what has Andy been up to for all those years?

One major difference that will likely be seen on this new album are the changes in constant flow. On Exodus, many tracks were pieced together in a way that you could listen to the album straight for an hour, without hitting skip. Life was similar, but took more of a track-by-track feel, and that's what seems to be dominant on Andy's third release. The twelve tracks don't blend together constantly, but this ends up working for the feel of the album. Much of the record has an older techno vibe to it, almost taking tips from iconic DJ phenomenon Darude, while still incorporating new elements known in the techno world, such as using violins and other real instruments in the mix. Expect the same eclectic and diverse sound that Exodus had, with slower tracks (like "Shine" and "Smile"), while keeping a firm hold on more beat-driven tracks, like the funky "Technicolour" and the rock-infused "Out of Control." "Fade" sounds distinctly like "Amazing" Part 2, with similar female vocals and a beat that seems reminiscent of the original. The vocals are a big part of this record, and really bring out a new form of techno than Hunter has become known for. Other major highlights on the record include the "Sound Pollution" and "You," serving as bookends to either side of the album.

Another good part of Hunter's new release is the length. Each song clocks in at an average of about four and a half minutes to six and a half minutes, making the record as a whole just over an hour long. This is an excellent length for each song, and it gives enough depth to each track so that by the time each one is over, you're ready to hear the next. A flaw that could have been seen on Exodus was that certain tracks were extensively long (some bordering on eight minutes long), which is not necessarily bad for techno music, but the tracks on Exodus seemed like they could have been cut back, and that is what Colour shines on.

Lastly, lyrical content is huge in this album. Not all the tracks have lyrics or guest vocalists, but those that do tend to keep a very spiritual feel to them, rejoicing in God's glory and creation, and gives off a very wholesome vibe all the way through. Colour is definitely a fantastic "welcome back" for Andy Hunter, and sets the bar high for other Christian techno artists, such as newcomers DreamLab or producer/artist Shane Newville. Let's just hope that we don't have to wait another three years before we hear from this talented U.K. DJ again.

- Review date: 4/7/08, written by Justin Mabee