Van Hunt – The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets

A Blend of Neo Soul, Funk, and Rock

Van Hunt, the Ohio native, is a multitalented musician, songwriter and producer. He has been on the music scene since the late 1990s and he’s collaborated with various artists like Dionne Farris and Cree Summer. Over the years, he has toured with bands like Coldplay and Dave Matthews Band, just to name a few. Four years in the making, The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets, is mellow and open. This is Hunt’s fifth album and it feels intimate, as if it were his first LP.

The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets serves as door into Hunt’s thoughts. “Vega (Stripes On),” the first song, serves as the key to unlock it. “Vegas” begins with a little bit of synth sounds and in comes the instrumental accompaniment. The mixture of the guitar and drums captures the essence of a soulful tune, but he takes it to another level through the lyrics. “I’m the captain of this relationship,” is a lyric out of the chorus and it’s assertive with a suggestive twinge. Hunt is playful, almost baiting listeners with other suggestive lyrics, but his vocals are mellow and they alter the delivery of such fiery words.

“Pedestal” murmurs over the rolling of slowly picked guitar strings and then the drumming begins. This song has such beautiful movement, as if you are looking out over a city and watching the day go by. The bustling sounds of people and then transitioning into calm vagrancy. “A Woman Never Changes” talks about a female, possibly the ideal lady for him. The violin in the background slows down the pace of the tune and it heightens the intensity of Hunt’s voice.

After listening to The Fun Rises, The Fun Sets, you can hear that Hunt has tapped into the essence of soul and he puts a funky spin on it. It is sensuality not sexuality that permeates the album and Hunt’s sultry voice pairs well with the message of each song. He knows how to balance his vocals with the music.