V3 Releases Debut

LaToya, Sacha, and Shelley Vinson grew up on progressive gospel- the Winans, Andre Crouch and the Clark Sisters- but they've honed their own homage into a 21st century sound with honest street cred and soulful power. "V3" is as straight-ahead with its Biblical message as it is with its musical punch, and those who enjoy Trin-i-tee 5:7 and Virtue will enjoy the Vinson sisters.

Right out of the gate, opener "Let Go" comes on strong with edgy beats even as it urges us to "cast all our cares and let go." The first single, "I Need You," highlights the sisters' formidable vocals chops, with its open confession of dependency sung oh-so-smoothly over lilting piano arpeggios. The sound is nothing less than sizzling, as is the truths expressed. Shonlock guests on the layered "Take Me There," the keyboards simmering beneath a potpourri of techno-groove. The production touches of artist Antonio and Josiah Bell & Robert Marvin (otherwise known as Double Dutch, possibly the coolest tag I've heard this year) abound on this record, almost to the point of being a fourth performer. They are all over these songs with their own percolating brand of sonic stew; check out the romantic soundfest that is "Have You Ever?" More often than not their contributions enrich the already sweet pot. They turn "Close to You" into the musical equivalent of the fizziest ice cream soda, plop plop fizz fizz, and it works beautifully.

My favorite track by far is the muscular "Let's Take It," by Debbie Winans. It is hypnotically hot, with a mesmerizing urgency to it as the strongly Biblical lyrics urge the forceful taking back of our own lives. Yeah! I dare you to sit still, or even worse, refuse to consider the powerful truths of this challenging track. V3 and EMI Gospel bring us a solid debut with this self-titled project.

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