Downhere - How Many Kings: Songs for Christmas

Producer: Downhere
Record Label:  Centricity Records
Website:  http://www.downhere.com

Usually, when it comes to Christmas music - one doesn’t normally think of rock bands releasing albums full of holiday cheer.  That’s been changing over the last few years as acts like Third Day, Relient K, and Jars of Clay have all released their own albums full of Christmas music.  Downhere is the latest critically acclaimed band to release an album full of all Christmas music - some original and some traditional holiday classics.  After the success of the smash hit “How Many Kings” from the Bethlehem Skyline project a couple years ago - Downhere decided it was time for them to show the world their love for Christmas.  How Many Kings: Songs For Christmas continues to solidify Downhere has one of Christian music’s finest bands.  Much like Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God or Michael W. Smith’s Christmas - Downhere’s How Many Kings: Songs for Christmas finds Downhere releasing what is perhaps their finest release to date - a collection of holiday songs that build on the traditions of the past and bring in Downhere’s unique sound.  The album kicks off with the aforementioned “How Many Kings” before cutting into the rollicking “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”  This is just one example of how Downhere took Christmas classics and put their spin on it.  “Good King Wenceslas” is a creative tour de force with Marc Martel giving some of his finest vocals to date.  “5 Golden Rings” is a playful retooling of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” that makes for a nice intro to album original “Glory to God,” while “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” closes the album (with exception to “How Many Kings Re-Imagined”).  “Bring a Torch, Isabella” features the trademark Downhere dueling lead singers - a sound that has become a staple for the band and makes a nice approach to this song.  The real bonus to this record are the original tracks that Downhere wrote for the record - most notably “Gift Carol” and extremely strong “Christmas In Our Hearts” - which speaks of though some may try and take the try meaning of the holiday out - Christians will always be able to remember as we have “christmas in our hearts.”  Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and engaging Christmas release - Downhere’s How Many King: Songs For Christmas is definitely not to be missed.  Fans of traditional, crooning style or hugely orchestrated releases probably won’t like this release much - but it really is a highlight release of this holiday season.