This week's sacred CDs reviewed

ANÚNA

Sanctus Claddagh Records ***

After straying boldly towards the mainstream with their last collection ( Sensations), Anúna return to familiar ground with this, their 11th collection. Four of the seven tracks here are rereleases, albeit with significant interventions, and Michael McGlynn's Agnus Deistill rattles with its bareboned solo and low-key arrangements. Sanctus is anchored by the Cecil B De Mille- proportioned Miserere Mei Deusby Allegri, which is worthy of the haughty naves of Notre Dame Cathedral rather than the quotidian confines of a sittingroom sound system. McGlynn's own O Mariamanages to be both haunting and meditative. Still, one suspects that Sanctus will send tentative fans scuttling for light relief but will glean copious nods of approval from choristers, happy to see Anúna return to the purer comforts of the spiritual. www.anuna.ie

Download tracks: Miserere Mei Deus, O Maria