Infinity
Decca, 2021
8/10
The revered vocal group Voces8 return with a nearly even mix of cover and originals, where concepts like space are executed with a soothing, meditative quality that relies on just a few instruments to accent the 8 incredible voices.
“By Night” gets the listen off to a very warm and dreamy start, where the wordless singing is met with gorgeous strings and an emotional angle that also displays intricate harp playing, and “Slow Meadow” follows with many voices harmonizing amid a technique that involves a bow and a vibraphone, which elicits incredible beauty.
In the middle, the soaring vocals of “Find Our Way” glides with a timeless radiance, while “Momentary” offers a choral version of the Olafur Arnalds tune that recruits agile strings to complement the meticulous singing. The title track is among the best, and displays sublime singing that’s a bit mysterious, entirely poetic, and full of rich song craft that will never wane in its impact.
Arriving near the end, “My Mind Is Still” showcases incredible range amid an uplifting landscape thanks to the award winning composer Nainita Desai, and the pianist and composer Luke Howard’s “There Is A Solitude” exits the listen with a memorable a cappella climate that few could perform quite like this.
One of Britain’s most esteemed vocal ensembles, Voces8 shine bright whether in an orchestral, chamber or classical setting, or even without instruments at all, and Infinity again proves just how versatile these artists are, and how vast their talent runs.
Travels well with: Verona Quartet- Diffusion; Apollo Chamber Players- With Malice Toward None