Amazon.comNo matter the origins, choral music can connect on the most basic of levels. Perhaps that?s because we all share the instrument of voice; or perhaps it?s the religious traditions that many of us grew up with. The Corsican a capella nonet I Muvrini hit listeners with rich polyphonic melodies and harmonies that gracefully spiral upwards, resonating together in a way that needs little translation. Like a hip church choir from the 16th century with a Middle Eastern influence, the men?s group covers the sacred and the secular on Pulifunie (which translates as polyphony)--the group is at its best on the vocal-only traditionals, but two of the three originals have ambient accompaniment that works pretty well. A far cry from the ominous-sounding Gregorian chant, the music on the group?s second effort for Higher Octave is as weird and wonderful as the first, possessing the same kind of ancient-but-modern beauty as Enya, Sheila Chandra, or Lisa Gerrard. --Tad Hendrickson