Like 2003's IN THE GLOW, 2004's THE LOVER AND THE BELOVED continues Donna De Lory's musical and spiritual fascination with mantra and Kirtans. But where IN THE GLOW merely incorporated the stylistic influence of chant-based music, De Lory's follow-up is a full-blown immersion in the tradition. Harmonium, tabla, Tibetan bowls, and other traditional instruments interact with programmed drums, keyboards, cello, and guitar to create a swirling ambience of Indian modal chants, through which De Lory's vocals float.
The album is far from a standard round-up of devotional tunes, however. With its lush, high-definition production, layered vocal lines, and balance between ethereal melodies, surging pulses, and shuttering, echo-touched effects, THE LOVER seems as influenced by contemporary electronica as it does by ancient spiritual music. The results, surprisingly, are just as well suited to a dance club chill-out room as to a meditation center. De Lory's otherworldly voice is beautiful as ever, but what impresses most is her willingness to make such an uncompromising, original statement, one that should prove rewarding to yoga/meditation devotees and audiophiles alike.