As the next artist to emerge from Detroit’s Inner Court Music Group after Darius Twyman and Destiny, the sextet His Image alternates between cuts of smooth group vocals and cuts of ‘contemporary old school’ rhythm and drives on their debut, More Than A Feeling.

It’s on those easy grooves that the group really impresses. When they let their vocals come to the fore, their deft blend of vocal textures make for an intriguing and ear-soothing concoction that goes smoothly down the canal. His Image is strong as a unit and in solo capacity.

The group’s interpretation of “Lily In The Valley” is a welcome one, bringing the acappella classic back into the limelight. While many will reflect on John P. Kee’s version upon hearing this one, His Image succeeds in cloaking it with their own signature sound.

The stand-alone voices of Gerald Perry and Kelvin Dukes are particulary evident on jams like ‘Take Up Your Cross’, which progressively builds to a vibrant finish. Melodic and lyrical elements of the hymn, “At The Cross (where I first saw the light)” are integrated by song’s end.

On “The Things You Do”, Kelvin Dukes' soaringingly-smooth falshetto capturing the essence of the heaven-bound praise, with minimal keyboard effects emphasizing the ethereal quality of the vibe. Another quality cut on the slow tip is “Second Chance”.

While the group doesn’t draw too much attention to the fact that one of their members (Henry Sapp) is the brother of the famous Marvin (interview), it is the basis of one of the cool things you can do with this CD. Put on those earphones and see how quick your ear is to pick out that Sapp family voice. You can find the younger brother taking co-vocals on “Direction” and “I’ve Come Too Far”, for example.

And with that faint Commissioned connection established, comes a much stronger one. Much of the faster-paced material on the project evoke memories of earlier Commissioned albums (such as Number 7), with regards to the instrumental tracks and overall feel. Heavy synth tracks with prominent rhythm loops and electric guitar prominence make frequent appearances (“Direction”, “Make A Way”). Some Earth Wind and Fire influence can also be detected, especially on backing vocal arrangements (“I’ve Come Too Far”).

No doubt, there will be a few critics who will declare these sounds to be passé. But while they certainly can’t be mistaken for the current Darkchild-esque rage in urban Gospel, there’s no arguing their distinctiveness. You could consider this a beacon of ‘back in the day’ comfort in today’s musical landscape that has become a frozen vista of sameness of beat. (Having said that, some of the occasional brief raps inserted into some cuts tend to distract more than impact, and wouldn’t be missed if they were absent.)

In total, More Than A Feeling presents newcomers His Image by offering up a mix of smooth and old-school bounce in a satisfying combo that deserves a listen.