Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The 12th album from seminal American alternative band The Choir contains a sparkle that few groups could muster after more than two decades on the scene. Largely thanks to a great bunch of songs from the pen of drummer Steve Hindalong and lead vocalist Derri Daugherty delivered in the latter's own unassuming style, it's obvious that the pair are happy to be reunited in the studio with bassist Tim Chandler, sax player Dan Michaels and guitarist Marc Byrd. Whilst references to their faith are subtle and less obvious, the lads put their own point of view across in the likes of "The Word Inside The Word" which urges tolerance amongst religious factions whilst "It Should Have Been Obvious" tackles chief lyricist Hindalong's own prejudices. Elsewhere, in-jokes such as "Mr Chandler" and "I'm Sorry I Laughed" - referencing band members in respective stories of travel misadventure and accidents on stage - add a certain charm to the proceedings and show a band at ease with their creative output. Showcasing an experimental edge in the likes of the thought-provoking tale of childhood torment "That Melancholy Ghost" and the haunting "Say Goodbye To Neverland", this exemplary release proves that there's plenty of life left in the old band yet.

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Grammy nominated, critically acclaimed group The Choir are back with their 12th studio disc, produced by Steve Hindalong and Derri Daughtery.

The follow-up to 2005’s O How the Mighty Have Fallen, this latest release integrates the musical personalities of all five members in a way that Hindalong calls, “smooth and satisfying”.