There are two things that Sonos does exceptionally well: command a stage, and sing! Those of us who saw them perform at SoJam 2010 can attest to their ability to keep an audience on its toes. Here on December Songs, that performance skill manifests itself a little differently in the form of creating a mood. This album goes beyond just being a collection of songs; it is truly a work that evokes the sound and spirit of the season. Ethereal textures and well-chosen source material make for a listen that is the sonic equivalent of a crisp winter evening. It’s the perfect complement to the holidays.
At the core of what makes this album special are the vocals, which are superb and perfectly restrained to match the source material. This is not the Sonos you may have seen on YouTube performing the trip-hop “I Want You Back” that made them famous. December Songs reveals a much more introspective side of this group, eschewing soloistic delivery in favor of perfectly blended blocks and harmonies. I particularly loved the opener “Ave Maria”, which has no clear soloist and instead relies on a gradually evolving refrain that splits into rich textures to great effect. The fact that this group can function so well using both approaches is really impressive and cool to hear.
If I have any criticism for this album it’s that some of the more traditional material, though well arranged, misses some of Sonos’ signature approach and style. The original songs strike the perfect balance between that cool holiday mood and the sound that makes this group unique. “Come December” soars on Jessica Freedman’s beautiful alt-pop hook, supported by Ben Mclain’s nimble Hip Hop infused beat. Ben’s “Home” succeeds similarly, marrying the group’s intimate vocal style with a pulsing electronic background.
The absence of these more unique musical elements can be felt on the traditional tunes like “O Holy Night” and “I Saw Three Ships”. Both are wonderfully sung, but there is not as much inherent in the arrangement that lets you know you’re listening to Sonos. I respect the group’s decision to go for a more traditional approach, but I personally preferred the songs that showcased their unique style along with their holiday spirit.
Of course when it comes down to it, vocals are king, and Sonos has talent to spare. Artistically it’s wonderful to see a different side of them, even if I sometimes wanted a little more of their unique personality infused with their chosen material. Pick up this album as a gift, or just to enjoy as the snow begins to fall. Sonos has just the right sound to keep you warm.
http://www.sonosings.com
About the author:
Robert Dietz is a recent graduate of Ithaca College in upstate New York where he received a dual major in music and business. He began singing in high school when he founded the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award (CARA) winning male quintet, Ascending Height. During his time at Ithaca College, Robert had the pleasure of performing with and conducting Ithaca College’s only all male a cappella group, Ithacappella. Along with Ithacappella, Robert had the honor of twice advancing to the finals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCAs), as well as sharing the stage with the internationally renowned rock band, Incubus. In addition to his CARA awards and nominations, Robert also holds three ICCA awards for outstanding vocal percussion, and his 100th arrangement received the award for outstanding arrangement at the ICCA semifinals at Rutgers in 2009. He currently lives in Brooklyn, and works in the Manhattan office of MusicMind Tracks (www.musicmindtracks.com), a brand new music production library.
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