Conjure One
When it comes to popular music, a proven formula is a safer bet than chancing something new. Apparently, such is the wisdom behind Conjure One, the new project spearheaded byDeleriumandFront Line Assemblyarchitect Rhys Fulber. As he did with Delerium, Fulber pairs guest vocalists of the mostly ethereal variety with gauzy ambient-tribal pop full of Eastern shadings and just enough chanting to maintain the spooky quotient. And when Fulber nails a vibe--as he does twice with singerPoeon the dreamy, goose-fleshy "Center of the Sun" and the downright chilling "Make a Wish," and withTea Partybelter Jeff Martin on the widescreen "Premonition"--he nails it, creating a haunted landscape best described as New Age-worldbeat. There are some clunkers here, too.Sinead O'Connoris thwarted by the leaden clichés littering "Tears from the Moon," and Israeli vocalist Chemda shamelessly borrows from the late, greatOfra Hazato negligible effect. But anyone who dug the Delerium project--or kindred spirits such asDead Can Dance--will declareConjure Onea success.--Kim Hughes