Unity is a mixed quartet that was recently picked up by Song Garden Music Group. The group's self-titled debut, Unity is a great introduction to this talented foursome.
The recording kicks off with the Teddy Huffam penned "Living In the Light of God" - which recalls the likes of Teddy Huffam and the Gems, Charles Johnson & the Revivers, and the Gospel Enforcers. However, before you think you have this group pegged - they kick into high gear with the Hoppers-esque convention sounding tune of "Step a Little Higher." "Above All Circumstances" is a pleasant country flavored tune.
"Bare Hands" is a nice ballad - but the vocals feel a bit bare and the blend is not the best here. A little more rehearsal time would have really brought this track up a level. Producer David Staton penned the nice country-meets-Black Gospel sound of "Say the Word." The group has a nice blend and sound on this track. It would have been good to hear more in this vocal styling from the group.
Group member Samantha Locklear is featured on "You're the Reason" - a nice ballad penned by Annette Herndon. Locklear has a nice understated voice that features some early 80's r&b vocal stylings that work well for this cut. "(I Already Like It And) I'm Not Even There" is a much more straight up traditional number that recalls mid-90's Perrys-era mixed group. The group really excels in this kind of format.
"Walls" finds the group again approaching a more solid, Southern sound. The album closes with the worship oriented "Hosanna" (very similar to The Hoppers' "Jerusalem" or LeFevre Quartet's "Days of Elijah"). This is another sound that the group excels at. It would be interesting to see them approach more of this style on future recordings - though the lead vocal has a tendency to run his words together making it hard for the listener to make out exactly what is being said.
Overall, Unity does a great job on this release. They take the listener by surprise by tackling so many musical styles. There are few blending issues that some rehearsal and more time on the road would fix.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 10/02/2009
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Category: CD Reviews
Comments: 0
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