Since Moira Smiley and VOCO's surprise win at the 2007 Harmony Sweeps Finals, NBC's launch of their new hit "The Sing-Off," based on the Sweeps, and the runaway hit "Glee," Los Angeles seems to have become a musical hotbed, an a cappella Mecca if you will. In the thick of this vocal revolution, rising like sweet harmonic cream out of UCLA's crazed a cappella scene in 2008, 3-man, three-woman Sonos performed their debut concert at a hotel cafe, and released their debut CD, "SonoSings." Group member Jessica Freedman: "We do our best to defy stereotypes." Ben McLain: "The whole approach has been to distance ourselves from kitsch." Rachel Bearer: "And we don't go 'dow.'" Freedman explains: "That's one of the words vocal groups use to emulate an instrument, like a guitar, with a made-up syllable." Sonos' sound is clean and rich, resonating with technically augmented vocal percussion, perfect leads and a surprising blend of intricately arranged harmonies. The result is a powerful, moving experience that invites comparison with such artists as the Real Group, Vox One and The Idea of North. There are 10 cuts here, and we had to listen two or three times to the album to fully appreciate songs like Priscilla Bearer's original "Ave Maria," Bates & Alfred Burt's "All on a Christmas Morning," Jessica's original "Come December," the traditional tunes "O Holy Night," "Greensleeves," "I Saw Three Ships," "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing" and "Janette Isabella," all very non-traditionally arranged; another stunning Priscilla Bearer original, "For Samuel," and Ben McClain's haunting (possibly synthesizer accompanied) "Home." Amazing. One of the best we've heard this year (or ever). "December Songs" is what the LA a cappella revolution sounds like! |
