GREGORIAN RELEASES NEW ALBUM ‘PURE CHANTS II’
Gregorian reinvigorates ancient traditions with the hollowed ground of “Pure Chants II.” The songs have a stripped-down beauty behind them. Drawing upon centuries’ worth of musical history, the pieces flow effortlessly into each other. Best taken in as a singular listening experience, an expansiveness occurs through the sheer contemplative vocal droning. Everything here feels carefully constructed as if they considered every possibility. The communal quality of the sound is virtually built-in, as the choir has this warm, welcoming presence. The way they go for this seemingly timeless and classic nature helps lend everything a peaceful sensibility.
A purity resides within the heavenly “Ava Marie (Pure Version)” with the inclusion of the organ in the latter half a refined touch. “Winter Light” has a gentle glow to the arrangement, letting the strings feel virtually weightless. Rhythmic vocalizations give “O Fortuna (Pure Version)” that sense of tension that the song deserves. The gorgeous church organ swells into the infinite blue sky with the lovely “Dear Lord And Father of Mankind.” On “Rivers Of Babylon (Pure Version),” there is a familiarity with the piece alongside the absolutely stunning cinematic execution. Verses have a gentle loveliness to the peaceful demeanor of “My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose.” Choirs spill over with the spacious architecture of “Gloria XV.” Victory rises out of the triumphant “Gaudete,” where the evolution of the sound feels inspiring. Things end on a reflective note with “Noel Novuelet.”
“Pure Chants II” reveals Gregorian’s exquisite detail and elegant arrangements.
