Saturday, 27 November 2021

Gentri - Season of Light


4 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Gentri's Season of Light here (external link)
Read my Gentri Christmas music reviews here

Five years after finding Gentri via their Finding Christmas album, the three gents and their passion for music have become a regular part of my seasonal playlist. Two years ago, they gifted fans with Noel and this year they are back with the optimistic, hopeful magic of Season of Light. What I love about Brad, Bradley and Casey is that their cinematic take on classic and new holiday tunes are always drenched with emotion, whether the songs be reverent and reflective or joyful and triumphant. They blend their voices together with intricate perfection, working in harmonious partnership with the oft-bombastic scores that propel their singing to the skies. Season of Light seems to recognise the challenges of the past 2 years and illuminates the way to a better tomorrow by urging you to keep the Christmas spirit with you all year round...

The album starts with Angels We Have Heard On High (one of my mum's favourite carols) and showcases why Gentri are in a class of their own. The song starts as a piano-vocal duet before building into a gloriously majestic, orchestral wall of sound that caresses their vocals beautifully. This segues into a bold, innovative take on We Three Kings.  There is both drama and urgency to the music, matched ably by the vocals which (like the song before it) adds to the theatricality of the performance. The nuance of that spellbinding piano is a delight to behold. The Bells of Christmas is a lilting ballad that is enhanced by the elegant vocal from Hailey Hyde. Her soprano wraps around the guys resonant tones with a mesmerising charm. The graceful, serene nature of the lyrics helps mute the crazy of the world outside and give you blissful calm. 

Lullaby Through My Eyes brings has a simmering intensity to it that makes it feel like it was a lost song of praise from a Les Miserables style musical. Nick Petty's Spanish-tinged guitar accompaniment gives the lads voices an organic quality which enhances the sincerity of the lyrics they sing. Meanwhile, getting Brad Wheeler to join them on Go Tell It On The Mountain is inspired - that vibrant harmonica and rollicking Elton John-esque piano romp just accentuates every second of celebration within the song. The medley moment of Joy To The World (Three Dog Night version) is a giddy thrill too. Somewhere In Your Silent Night uses elements of the lyrics of the well known carol to craft something new and comforting; the type of inspirational ballad that wraps around you like a hug before buoying your spirits. Reminds of the Michael McLean songs I adored as a youth - a true forgotten carol.

A Strange Way To Save The World is another forgotten carol, an examination of the task ahead for the Saviour child from the perspective of Joseph. The trio do shimmering justice to the 4Him classic, their combined voices giving the song the gravitas and wonder it deserves. This then ushers in I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, almost as if the song is an answer to Joseph's pondering in the previous track. The gently chiming bell throughout the song, with delicate piano lets the lyrics breathe - delivered with sophisticated respect through each individual solo moment. The crescendo of voices and instrument in the final moments is breath taking. Mary Did You Know (featuring Mat and Savannah Shaw) closes the opus in spectacular style. It is an evocative version with Mat and Savannah adding to the overall texture of the song. A lovely finale.

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