Deva ("Deva" is a Hindu title for divine) Premal has attracted a following by framing ancient Hindu mantras within atmospheric, contemporary settings. The result on Embrace, her third release, is at times flavorful, at other times undistinguished, but it produces more intriguing moments than duds. On occasion, Premal aspires to Enya-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 of Deep 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 what Joni Mitchell might create if she tried her hand at Eastern music. --Terry Wood
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