PTXmas is the first holiday-themed release and second overall EP from the Arlington, Texas-based a cappella ensemble
Pentatonix, who won season three of NBC's The Sing-Off vocal competition. Similar to the band's two other releases, 2012's PTX, Vol. 1 and
PTX, Vol. 2,
PTXmas features more of the band's a cappella cover songs. This time around, the focus is obviously on Christmas and holiday songs. Also, while the group is known for tackling many contemporary pop hits, here they largely stick to a handful of classic Holiday compositions. Included are the time-tested chestnuts "Angels We Have Heard on High," "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," "The Christmas Song," and "O Holy Night." Also included is the vocal band's take on
Donny Hathaway's R&B holiday standard "This Christmas." [A Deluxe Edition added three bonus tracks.] ~ Matt Collar