A Deeper Light
By Deva Premal and Miten
White Swan Records
On Deva Premal and Miten’s album, A Deeper Light, they are going in a new direction with down-tempo dub reggae bass lines that permeate many of the eight songs. Relaxed grooves result, holding space for the mantras Deva Premal’s stunning voice offers. Miten’s spacious production and guitar support the songs beautifully, while Nepalese bansuri flutist Manose and keyboardist Maneesh de Moor lay their special touch on the music.
On “Om Mantra (The Cosmic Yes),” de Moor’s keyboards, combined with Manose’s accents, give the song a distant, almost epic feel. Another notable song is “Om Triambakam Mantra (Healing).” It’s the same mantra as ‘Maha Mrityunjaya’ which appears on Deva’s album Into Light, albeit in a vastly different arrangement. It is a striking inclusion on A Deeper Light because, unlike the rest of this album, the song has no percussion or bass, only sparse instrumentation. It begins with Miten’s solo voice, then Deva Premal begins harmonizing. Her voice continues to grow stronger until both voices intertwine beautifully. At this point there is no lead, nor harmony, only a stunning blend of these two voices that dance so well together.
A Deeper Light may be a different direction for Deva Premal and Miten, but is in no way a departure from their course — that of devotional, reverent music combined with exceptional talent and creative performance.
Joe Kara enjoys a double life working in music and teaching Yoga in Hollywood and the Valley. He plays a little bass, too. @JoeKaraYoga