Shining a Light on Exceptional Christian Music

The Extended Play album, otherwise known as the EP, can be used in a variety of ways. It can feature a radio single with a surplus of re-mixes. Straightforward, it can be used to get music out to fans. More prominently, it can advertise a forthcoming full-length album, which happens to be the strategy of the Santa Ana, California band Pacific Hurt, formerly named Aushua (ow-shoe-uh).

Still under the name Aushua, the band released an EP entitled Limbo. As one of the strongest EPs to be released of late across the country, the brothers Newyear (Lee, Phil, & Eric) along with frontman Nathan Gammill have created riffs and composition that are, by far, undeniably nowhere near mediocrity.

Limbo opens with a dynamic of ambiences with the track ‘Pedestrian’. Heaps of rock influences from bands across the pond compliment the song with flourishing ballads to set the groundwork of the album.

Pleasantly tucked away in tremolo with the oohs and the aahs is the effervescent ‘Tuck (How It Feels Away)’. The track asks a series of questions pertaining to interactions and complexities. The bridge of the song offers a brilliantly layered stack of momma’s pancakes. Sometimes one wishes music were edible.

‘What’s It Worth’ sounds like a classic Southern California harmony, nevertheless echoing a modern Coldplay-esque pop/rock sound in the refrain. The song asks a simple question about beliefs, love, and life. What’s it worth to you?

Batting cleanup is the mellow and spiritual ‘God In Search of Man’. The lyrics certainly hit a homerun. This song discusses the topic of how society can effortlessly live a life of free will and often fall short of what life is really about.

‘Limbo’ serves as the title track to the EP as it delivers a piano-driven Billy Joel-esque vibe. However, it immediately becomes one of its own with drum loops and programming features. The lyrics continue with a discussion of society’s intentions and whether there’s any justification for these intentions. Just a snippet of lyrics as the song closes: “So spend with disregard/ Put it all on a credit card / Cause we’re all in limbo anyway.”

‘Hiding Place’ completes the EP with a musical impression that is nonchalant. The lyrics, on the other hand, are more forthright. They speak of an ongoing theme in our society, and how some people choose to wear a mask as a hideout, while at the same time choosing to keep the truth even from themselves.

Going forward, the band formerly known as Aushua plans to make a name for themselves as Pacific Hurt. The solid release of Limbo and its sonically sound mixes will leave the listener astounded at the composition of this record. In a matter of time, Pacific Hurt is slated to release their debut long-form record and will likely go on another national tour. Get your popcorn ready, America!

Written by: Trevor Evans