Reviewed by Stella Redburn

An album that bridges the chasm between classical music and modern worship songs. The beautiful melodies of these haunting songs, performed by calm, focussed voices that owe nothing to classical training, float effortlessly over the most beautiful orchestral arrangements. Wells Cathedral girls choir guest on a couple of tracks and contribute manicured vocals that complement the soloists. Faux is an interesting character - an ordained minister in the Anglican Church and also a professional composer for media. He has most notably written the soundtrack for the BBC series narrated by David Tennant Forces Of The Wild. I found the effect of this album's renditions of the Psalms intensely spiritual, as the searing words speak powerfully to the listener through these settings. Six of the Psalms feature on the accompanying DVD. I loved the broad sweep of the song cycle which begins with longing for God and his temple, descends through uncertainty, lack of faith and despair and emerges into a reaffirmation of blessing and new life. Psalm 55 is interesting. The first part describes a violent, unsettled city (London, on the DVD), portrayed by a relentless 7/8 pattern in the strings giving a panicky, nervous feel. It then moves into a classically inspired string pattern lapping around the singers who sing of betrayal and corruption. My favourite has to be the final number, Psalm 67. An ethereal opening makes way for an upbeat, African-influenced rhythm with footage of Ugandan children dancing to a popular gospel song.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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The Psalms Project is a contemporary journey through the vivid landscape of Psalms, told in the musical language of feature films. We are drawn into a world of joy and praise, danger and abandonment, and finally, restoration and affirmation.

Presented as a CD & DVD collection this has a contemporary feel, and a cinematic symphonic/choral sound.

The DVD will be made up of 6 tracks from the album set to slow moving real life images, revealing the raw emotion of the Psalms. With swelling symphonies and beautiful theatrical scenery.

Orchestration and conducting is by Alistair King, who worked on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and other major feature films.