Temple of Love
Rasa return with another CD of dream hymns from India. Taking their early cues from the pop arrangements of the 1970 George Harrison-produced hit "Govinda" by the Radha Krsna Temple, they turn Indian bhajans or hymns into often intoxicating entreaties. As on previous discs, Hans Christian creates deeply layered orchestrations of cello, sitar, sarangi (a bowed Indian stringed instrument), electronics, and percussion. That's the pond upon which singer Kim Waters drops her chant melodies in one of those serene voices that descend from the heavens.  While other Rasa albums tended toward the slow-trance electronica side of groove,Temple of Lovehad a dreamier, contemplative sound often free of rhythm. "Jaya Radhe" and "Parama Karuna" follow this path with Waters in a free-float over drones that unfold like colored smoke. But rhythm isn't completely absent. "Doya Koro" and "Om Purnam" have slow, seductive trance pulses that mix loops and Indian hand percussion. However, "Adharam Madhuram" almost heads into ethno-lounge terrain. The title of this album,Temple of Love, refers to the temples of Khajuraho in India, known for their erotic carvings and love stories. Rasa could have provided their perfect soundtrack. These aren't your standard Hare Krishna chants anymore.--John Diliberto