The Chamber Strings - Month of Sundays (CD)

All Music Guide

Gospel Morning was a lushly produced multi-layered masterpiece -- and this record makes it sound like a demo. For Month of Sundays the band not only doubled in size, but drafted an entire brass section to enlarge its sound. Muted horns, whimpering guitars, and (you guessed it) strings are pieced together into cohesiveness by producer Thom Monahan. His more-is-more philosophy creates a lush orchestrated feel, reminiscent of '60s producer Phil Spector. This musical density is an ideal backdrop for singer/songwriter Kevin Junior's lilting harmonies. His vocal style channels Al Green, Alex Chilton, and the Mamas the Papas, sincerely emoting melancholic sweetness over every horn flourish and minor chord. Though this album treads familiar ground, it is positively excellent in its element. Month of Sundays continues Junior's love affair with '70s pop and soul, and firmly cements his place alongside his heroes in rock's pantheon.

- Ari Wiznitzer, All Music Guide