Calling themselves 7th Element does them well. Seeing as this intense acappella group consists of six men, the first thing it does is to beg the question, why the number seven?

It's a perfect opening for them to point to the cross. Giving themselves names from E1 through E6, Marc Dwyer, David Glover and blood brothers Garth, Kevin, Darren and Curt Greene are the epitome of a brotherly unit, held together by their head, the seventh element, Jesus Christ.

While Vol. 1 is the debut for 7th Element, the quality of the work on the project clearly suggests that they're not rookies. A mix of smooth jazzed vocals and with a flair for melody, they are certainly in the same vein as Take 6, but with their own twist on style.

It's finger snaps, close harmony scatting, parsed phrasing and more on the album's standout cut, "Ride The Chariot". Woven solo vocal lines wind through this version of the popular negro spiritual. Frederic Lamour's brilliant arrangement makes use of multi-syllabic phrasing, and never strays too far into the jazz field so at to not tamper with the melody. The use of a satisfying chord resolutions appears as motif throughout the song. As if to highlight the fact this composition is a masterwork, that celebrated father of acappella singing, Walter Arties, steps in for some vocal licks.

The rework of classics continues with "Ship of Zion". It's actually a fused medley of the old standard with "Get On Board", as both nautical and railway themes are enthusiasticaly explored with low register, razor sharp harmonies and the traded leads of Marc Dwyer and David Glover.

The group also slings their acappella saddle on two workhorse songs, the African American anthem from James Weldon Johnson, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and also "The Star Spangled Banner."

"The Race" has 7th Element grooving to a rhythm 'n praise track, complete with rap drops from Roger Thomas. There's still that close harmony base anchoring the cut, but with phat synths and a shuffling rhythm, this one is certainly urban. The song encourages us to be strong in our Christian race.

Allen and Allen guest on "You Don't Know Like I Know", as Gospel jazz duo of Bruce Allen and Allen Wiggins along with Mo Henderson lend their instrumental sparkle.

Other cuts rounding out the project include a version of Fanny Crosby's "Redeemed" and the breezy "Realize Calm Down". This latter cut beats new age any day, telling it straight in story format that it's God who has it all in control, so why fear, why worry?

Titling an album Vol. 1 is tantamount to saying that there's already plans for more. 7th Element is a joy to the ear and a ministry to the heart, so can't hardly wait to hear what's next!