Union

Union, the follow-up to Rasa's stunning debut, Devotion, finds the intriguing duo taking the next logical step by updating traditional Sanskrit and Bengali prayers. These timeless texts are fleshed out with vocalist Kim Waters's sensual tones wending round Hans Christian's soulful cello leads, which are in turn complemented by understated keyboards, guitars, drums, and percussion. The album's thematic and emotional center is found in the deeply reverent "Sri Guru." An 11-minute supplication, the composition builds on gently looped vocals and shakers to burst forth as a full band swirl of elegant, sublime sound featuring flute, ambient percussion, and mouth harp. Reveling in textural earthly arrangements, Rasa makes music for the body as well as the spirit. --Paige La Grone