Embrace
Deva ("Deva" is a Hindu title for divine) Premal has attracted a following by framing ancient Hindu mantras within atmospheric, contemporary settings. The result onEmbrace, her third release, is at times flavorful, at other times undistinguished, but it produces more intriguing moments than duds. On occasion, Premal aspires toEnya-like reverence (e.g., tracks 2 and 4), then elsewhere coos her ancient text atop gentle grooves and jazzy flutes (tracks 3 and 6) in a manner suggestive ofDeep Forest. Some might describe it as "smooth chant." Highlights include "Shree Ram Jai Ram," a beautifully realized cross-pollination of East and West (highlighted by Kit Walker's free-floating piano and Premal's resonant choir of voices) that hints at whatJoni Mitchellmight create if she tried her hand at Eastern music.--Terry Wood