Connersvine

iTunes Review

It’s easy to describe Connersvine as the Christian duo featuring one member who plays professional football and one who doesn’t. There’s no getting around the fact that singer/songwriter Hunter Smith’s notoriety as a punter with the Indianapolis Colts guarantees that his tunes will get a measure of attention. The music that he and partner Chris Wilson make has more than novelty value, however — the two of them are capable artists with an eclectic sound. As befits their background as youth worship leaders, their songs are mostly expressions of praise, couched in plainspoken, heartfelt language. “Glory Be,” “Come Alive,” “Live for You” and other songs use acoustic textures and rock dynamics to frame the duo’s testimonies. Smith’s earnest, slightly hoarse vocals bring Edwin McCain to mind; combined with Wilson’s harmonies, the blend has a slight country tinge. The tracks here run the gamut from rustic folk-pop (“Overflow”) to old-school soul (“Sacred Mystery”) and sturdy AOR rock (“Hungerlove”). Among the standout cuts is “Hero,” a pledge of devotion with a galvanizing chorus.