If their previous releases left any doubt, Promised Land finally cemented one indisputable fact: the Holmes Brothers are the finest rhythm & blues group playing today. With stirring gospel harmonies, gutbucket blues chops, and a dash of country, they've created a sound solely their own. From the effortlessly melodic "Easy Access" to the lovely "You're Good for Me" to the relentless funk of "Got Myself Together," these songs are as diverse as they are expressive of one soulful vision. And superb musicianship is only half the equation; the Holmes Brothers' strongest weapons are faith and passion. Anyone not moved by the Southern gospel of "I Surrender All" or the despair and longing of Popsy Dixon's vocal on "Train Song" should proceed directly to the morgue. The trio even shows off its uncanny knack for reinventing songs with a smoldering version of the Beatles' "And I Love Her." Promised Land stands as one of the great releases of the '90s. --Ken Hohman