Chawa Lilith

Meditation is not solely the cross-legged practice of intense focus and years of training that you might think. Different religions and institutions may have their own guidelines for the best way to get to that place but in the end, it can be achieved while doing any number of things. Exercising, driving, playing music, having sex, washing the dishes. Any occasion where the hyper-speed whizzing of daily thoughts and worries is suspended can be a meditative experience.

Los Angeles-based artist Chawa Lilith creates soundscapes that suspend the listener in a warm aura and disconnect them from the relentless chatter of the day-to-day. Her new EP Euphonious captures the revitalizing sunshine of California and the serenity of quiet moments, abundant thanks to the lockdown of 2020. The record is a flowing piece of ambience, tastefully outlined by Lilith's angelic vocals. It plays like a less heavy-handed version of Enya. More subtle and airy in its movements but with a similar soul-affirming effect.

'Good Things' opens the album with the profundity of a new rising sun. Steady droning synths back Lilith's airy coo. The song conjures positive energy and awakens the spirit. 'You Are Loved' continues uninterrupted with light bells chiming in to add an extra twinkle to the mantra. More intricate synths, wilder vocalizations, and errant percussion give 'Miracles' an added lift and movement.

Pan flute joins the low register synths to create a solid foundation on 'Bouncing'. A vocal-less rainforest hymn with the feel of rejuvenating mists sweeping across the land. 'Dar Knight' has Lilith sending echoing call and response vocals with herself. Her voice sweeps up into the lofty realms above the clouds. The finale 'Hava's Love' bubbles with reverberant energy. Lilith colours her voice with a striking vibrato reminiscent of Lisa Gerrard. A haunting quality pervades this final incantation.

Euphonious provides a sonic space in which to exit the corporeal. A welcoming record that has the normal markers of traditional meditation music without falling too far into cliche. At the same time, electronic elements are subtly added to allow for a fuller palette of sounds. The new album from Chawa Lilith gives the listener a much-needed respite from modern life.