Release Date: November 22, 2010 Label: Songbird Recordings Related Sites: · Official Site Grade: B+

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If all angels looked like this, I'd be ready for heaven.  As it is, All Angels is a manufactured "female classical supergroup" from the UK originating with four photogenic teenage choirgirls who auditioned for the honor.  Riding the crest of classical crossover popularity exemplified by current acts such as Britain's Faryl Smith and America's young Jackie Evancho, All Angels has covered folk songs, musicals, modern classics and spirituals on their self-titled debut (2006), Into Paradise (2007) and Fly Away (2010).

Starlight is a five-song EP coming less than a year since their third album dropped and includes the usual eclectic mix, though front-loaded with pop chestnuts.  Opening up the set is the ballad "True Colours" which -- depending on your age -- is either the Cyndi Lauper original, late-90's cover by Phil Collins, or Glee cast rendition.  Or maybe you just remember the haunting version from that Kodak commercial.  Whatever your persuasion, you'll enjoy what All Angels does with the song.  Starting with mere bass accompaniment, the girls trade lines before joining in close harmony for the chorus and then a capella for the second verse.

A real eyebrow-raising choice is "Starlight" from Muse.  Fans of the English rock band might not be a"muse"d by the pop-classical interpretation, but All Angels offers an interesting arrangement that features light Flamenco guitar accompaniment that gives the tune a certain Spanish vibe.

Angels All: Rachel Fabri (second from right) is the newest member of All Angels, joining the original cast (left to right) Daisy Chute, Charlotte Ritchie, and Melanie Nakhla.

Turning toward more classical fare, the young ladies tackle "Adiemus" by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins.  The acoustic guitar and drums add energy while never overwhelming the elegant harmony.

Rounding out the collection is a holiday medley comprised of "Ding Dong Merrily on High" and "Infant holy, Infant lowly" based on a traditional Polish Christmas carol, "W zlobie lezy."  As with "Goodnight My Angel" this is sans instrumentation so the four vocals can intermesh without distraction.

When the teens were assembled in 2006 they signed a five-album deal.  The fact that album number four is merely an extended play with five tracks is an ominous sign that the record company may be trying to hasten the completion of its contractual obligation.  On the other hand, it could be they wanted to showcase newest angel Rachel Fabri, replacing Laura Wright who left in 2010 so she could focus on her education.  If the next album is All Angels' Greatest Hits I'm collecting on my bet.

Naturally, what I wanted from Starlight EP was more. The vocal blend presented here makes for an easy listen with the background music smartly kept to a minimum to allow the close harmony to shine.  I can't say I entirely shook the feeling of contrivance, but I never wanted the heavenly voices of All Angels to end.