This is Downhere’s first ever Christmas collection which retains much of the bands classic elements, but also stretches to previously uncharted realms. There’s plenty of melodic vocal interplay from co-front men, guitarist Marc Martel and keyboardist Jason Germain, alongside the ultrainfectious rhythm section comprised of bassist Glenn Lavender and drummer Jeremy Thiessen, but there’s also a compelling experiment with organic instrumentation and ingenious seasonal interpretations, alongside equally riveting originals.

Though the band carefully preserved the integrity of timeless tunes like “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” “Bring a Torch,” “What Child Is This?,” “Silent Night,” among many others, each rendering has the group’s signature stamp and is firmly planted in the present. The group also hopes that in the midst of all the shopping insanity, brought on by today’s consumer society, people will use How Many Kings: Songs For Christmas as a soundtrack to slow down and plug into the true reason for the celebration.