New Suns
Open G, 2022
8/10
The debut album from the Philadelphia based vocal ensemble Variant 6, New Suns brings us commissions by Joanne Metcalf, Jeremy Gill and Benjamin C.S. Boyle, as well as works by Gabriel Jackson and Bruno Bettinelli.
“Supplice”, by Benjamin C.S. Boyle, opens the listen with sublime harmonizing as the 6 artists bring their distinctive range to the 3 pretty chapters, and Gabriel Jackson’s “Zero Point Reflection” showcases much beauty, where some very high notes are hit amid the playful vocalizations and strong attention to melody.
In the middle, “Excerpts From Madrigali a cinque voci miste” unfolds with 3 pieces of sublime harmonizing amid the dreamy delivery, while Jeremy Gill’s “Six Pensées de Pascal” is capable of bare, stirring moments, just as it is busy bouts of fascinating vocal acrobatics.
Joanne Metcalf’s “The Sea’s Wash In The Hollow Of The Heart” exits with a mesmerizing, and emotive finish of very heartfelt singing and a meticulous attention to mood.
Variant 6 is comprised of Jessica Beebe and Rebecca Myers (sopranos), Elisa Sutherland (mezzo-soprano), Steven Bradshaw and James Reese (tenors) and Daniel Schwartz (bass-baritone). Their collective strength makes for a stunning listening experience in the area of modern chamber sounds on this excellent first record, which shouldn’t be a surprise as they all regularly sing with Philadelphia’s contemporary music choir, The Crossing.
Travels well with: The Crossing- Words Adorned; Kenneth Gaburo- New Music Choral Ensemble