Deas Vail released their split EP with Farewell Flight in June, but the EP was only a prelude to the band's self-titled release in October. Now, to cap off an eventful and solid year, the group's final offering of the calendar comes in the form of a four-song Christmas EP, For Shepherds & Kings.
I'm typically not that big of a fan of the more contemporary Christmas song "Do You Hear What I Hear," but Deas Vail pulls off their version of the song well. Their indie pop flavor makes the song stand out, and the vocals and the bridge music are almost magical. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is a likable, upbeat tune that features a folk feel. Wes Blaylock's lead vocals, some background vocals during the chorus, and an acoustic guitar provide more of the sound for "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." The classic song works and is a good addition to the EP, but the track isn't by any means overwhelming. Deas Vail offers a slightly altered lyrical version of "Coventry Carol," a piece centering on Matthew 2:16-18, the account of the aftermath of Herod's plan to kill the infant Savoir. The lyrics themselves are bleak and Deas Vail's melancholy music is equally haunting.
Although "Coventry Carol" is not necessarily a Christmassy song per se, the rest of the EP is a well-rounded selection of classics made memorable by Deas Vail's indie style. For Shepherds & Kings is a good group of holiday tunes that is hopefully a precursor to a future, full-length Christmas project.
- Review date: 11/28/11, written by Nathaniel Schexnayder of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Delilah Welcomes for KING and COUNTRY's Luke Smallbone to Popular Podcast Wed, 15 May 2024 14:30:00 EST |
RCA Inspiration Celebrates 15 Nominations for 39th Stellar Awards Wed, 15 May 2024 12:30:00 EST |
Millennial Reign Releases Lyric Video for New Single, "Wandering" Wed, 15 May 2024 12:20:00 EST |
Rapper Damac Pays Homage to His Mom with Powerful New Concept Album For "Mama Mac" Wed, 15 May 2024 12:10:00 EST |
JRA Heads Into Its 40th Year Of Serving Today's Christian Artists and Speakers Tue, 14 May 2024 14:10:00 EST |
Skillet's Seth Morrison and Wife Announce Pregnancy Tue, 14 May 2024 14:05:00 EST |
Redemption Praise Unveils the Heartfelt Story Behind Single, "Jesus" Tue, 14 May 2024 13:30:00 EST |
New Studies Link Improved Mental Health to Use of Digitally-Delivered Faith and Prayer Thu, 02 May 2024 20:42:48 +0000 |
DAD TIRED FOUNDER JERRAD LOPES EXPANDS POPULAR MINISTRY WITH DEBUT CHILDREN’S TITLE Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:07:46 +0000 |
“Anything Goes” by Andrew Kerhoulas of Brother K Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:54:00 +0000 |