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When it comes to a cappella groups, there are quite a few out there but to these ears not many that arrest my attention. Their vocal harmonies and arrangements may be slick but somehow there seems to be a huge whiff of cheese that comes with Gospel vocal groups. It would be churlish to name names but I think you probably know who I'm talking about.

And then there's Take Six.

Where Take Six took the whole shebang to a different level, other groups are forced to follow in their footsteps and pale by comparison. 7th Element is a vocal group with six members and the same creative approach as Take Six. Comparisons are inevitable even though the publicity blurb that came with this CD sees the band flattered by comparisons whilst at the same time suggesting that they differ from Take Six in that they incorporate a larger variety of musical styles.

Personally I can hear that but when it comes down to the actual vocals, what I do hear is a very good a cappella group working in a similar way to Take Six. Some pieces are pure vocals and others have the group working with instrumental backing which means that there's enough variety to keep things interesting. The vocal texture is also very similar to Take Six and it's obvious that they are an influence on 7th Element. Now that I've got that out of the way let's see whether I can get to the end of the review without mentioning Take Six again.

In case you wondered about the name, 7th Element aren't a hip hop crew! They're a six piece and their name points towards the unseen member of the band as the most important element in their music. Consequently, there's no escaping the message in the music here and the band are signed to the fledgling Christian label established by Jazz musos Allen & Allen. This is a good place to develop their style as their music takes in Gospel, spirituals, jazz and pop and soul.

Highlights for me include their take on the famous "You Don't Know Like I Know" where the group are backed by the smooth jazz of Allen & Allen and get the opportunity to let their Gospel chops shine. "Everything That's Beautiful" is a simple worship song where the group's intricate harmonies and interplay are demonstrated. There's a cool contemporary R&B/Hip Hop vibe to "Realize Calm Down" where the beats and Vocoder effects are matched with some jazzy piano and the boys' vocals. 

There's funky hip hop on "The Race" where the band even manage to indulge in a little rapping and then there's the straighter purer sound of the unaccompanied worship song "Lift Every Voice" and the lush vocal arrangement of "Redeemed." There's certainly variety here as 7th Element wrap their voices around these different songs.

Being English, I'll try not to take offence at the "Master's Piece Theatre" interlude where the group perform a very straight "English style" instrumental. Hmmmmm… Also being English it seems weird to these ears to end an album with a version of "Star Spangled Banner". I could never imagine a British group doing our national anthem but then we don't get the chance to sing the national anthem before every football match and game of cricket. However I would imagine that 7th Element have already had the opportunity to demonstrate their vocal prowess at some football games so perhaps that piece of patriotism makes sense. Just a little something that doesn't cross cultures.

Fine singing with a focus sincerely on communicating a Gospel message, 7th Element do this in a consummate fashion, proving that they have the abilities to become one of the finest vocal groups on the planet. This is titled Volume 1 so I guess we won't have to wait long before the group deliver us some more music.

If you love Take Six, you'll love this

Mike Rimmer 7/28/2002