'Cantus' is an eleven member all-male group hailing from St. Olaf's College in Minnesota. Their holiday disc includes many traditional favorites, such as 'Coventry Carol,' 'Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming,' and 'God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen' and an original version of 'Deck the Halls' (done in 5/4, with jazzy harmonies??, a definite departure from the style on the rest of the recording). 'Riu, Riu, Chiu,' sung in Spanish, and accompanied by appropriate percussion, accented like a russian song (ask the group about this.) The recording, made in a church, adds atmosphere and presence to the group's own melliflous blend; the notes 'float' effortlessly as if weightless. The classically-trained voices are well-suited to the sacred material, the sound of which conveys allegiance to its origin centuries ago. A calming shelter from the Christmas frenzy.