Album: Gabriels - Angels & Queens - Part II

You could say the catalyst behind it all was Rocketman himself. During his Apple Music Show, celebrated CBE Elton John named Gabriels’ self-released EP, Love and Hate in a Different Time, one of the most seminal releases in the last ten years. At that time, little was known about the US-UK trio. When they eventually signed a major record deal a few months later, there wasn’t a single photograph of the three of them in the same room.

Despite the inconspicuous start, the band has already racked up a performance at The Royal Albert Hall (for Letters Live). They supported Harry Styles in Texas and Compton-born vocalist Jacob Lusk joined Elton John at his Glastonbury farewell show playing to over seven million people.

But while the last few years might seem like a rollercoaster for the group, Lusk has actually been moving in these celeb circles for years now. He joined Nate Dogg's gospel choir after responding to a Craigslist advert and auditioned four times for American Idol. The group is completed by self-penned “studio rats” Ari Balouzian (a classically trained California composer) and Ryan Hope (Sunderland-born video director). The pair spotted Lusk after working with him and his church choir on a Prada commercial. Now, Gabriels return with the much-anticipated completed version of their debut.

If you enjoyed last year’s Angels & Queens Pt I, then rest assured the additional six tracks here continue to find Lusk deftly switching between his bold baritone and celestial falsetto in style. Original title track “Angels & Queens” is a sultry disco romp with Lusk forming his own multi-layered choral force as he cuts down the opposition: “You’re just another motherfucker looking up at a mirrorball.” Elsewhere, “Taboo” slows the pace down to a cinematic, string sensation circling a situationship that’s doomed from the off as he soothes, “Bible says it’s bad but not for me/ Don’t bring me fruit then say I can’t eat.”

While Lusk has spoken openly about his reservations around embracing the "gospel" genre (let’s say, soul-rock hybrid), the staggering “Glory” in the second half of the release not only brings the holy spirit to the fore (see also: the breathtaking “Great Wind”) but there’s a trickling of biblical references as he reflects over water turning to wine admitting, “I make a little, a lot.” Angels & Queens - Part II is proof that a little spark from a high flyer was all it took for this slow-burning band to soar. 

• More New Music reviews on theartsdesk

Below: watch Gabriels perform "Glory" at Glastonbury Festival 2023