Scott Gendel’s Hope Eats You Alive is a choral work that was inspired by forensic scientist Lori Baker’s spoken grief for those lost at the Mexican-American border. The Madison Choral Project, brings to life the graphic and heart-breaking story of Baker’s mission to identify the bodies buried in shallow graves at the border, revealing a number of issues at the centre of the immigration debate. The album also includes recordings of four more works by Gendel, some humorous, some warm, some contemplative, but each evoking a common message: love is worth hoping for, even if it eats at you, even if it takes you alive, and loving one another is something we must do as often as possible...

Hope Eats You Alive (8 tracks - 42 min, 45 sec) is an impressive collection of thematic pieces by composer Scott Gendel. Its centre piece is the 4-part work 'Hope Eats You Alive'. With its powerful and provocative subject matter, the heartfelt message punches its way forward in a constant barrage of beautifully delivered choral themes.

Oddly enough, it's was the shortest track on the album, 'Little Things' which really stuck with me. Whilst the other pieces have moments which sees the music occasionally zone out, 'Little Things' held my attention for every minute.

This is a wonderfully produced collection of emotionally driven works.

Track listing:

01. We Are Such Stuff as Dreams are Made On (3:05)
02. Hope Eats You Alive: 1. Something Has to be Done (7:57)
03. Hope Eats You Alive: 2. Identification (6:28)
04. Hope Eats You Alive: 3. Grieving, Somewhere (6:30)
05. Hope Eats You Alive: 4. Hope for Better Times (7:21)
06. The Glory of Life (5:17)
07. Little Things (2:34)
08. She Waits for Me (3:39)

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Darren Rea