Faithful
The Promise
Psalter Music

Clansi Rogers

Coming five years after its self-titled debut, The Promise’s latest album, Faithful, is in many ways a second debut. But while it is in the nature of the vocal ensemble to change members from year to year as students graduate, some things have not changed: Dr Robb Dennis is still director; and The Promise maintains the style and feel that have served it well since forming in 2005.

Like the 2006 album, Faithful is a mix of a cappella, accompanied and solo tracks. As in performance, the album varies from the quiet and reflective, such as “Prayer of the Children,” to the energetic foot-stomping of “Great God A’mighty.”

Picking a favourite track is a subjective matter, but the standout is “Find Us Faithful.”

And closing the album with an arrangement by The Idea of North, Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary vocal quartet, is brave. The Promise pulls it off though, and listening to its rendition of “An Irish Blessing” begs the question, “Where is The Promise’s own arrangements?” This is perhaps worth exploring as The Promise continues its ongoing development.

Clansi is an alumna of Avondale College of Higher Education who reviewed The Promise’s self-titled debut album in 2006.