Lisa Gerrard & Pieter Bourke: Duality

'Duality' is Lisa Gerrard at her hypnotic best. Richer in sound than either 'The Insider' or the 'Gladiator' soundtrack, and more powerful than anything Dead Can Dance ever produced, this album has a trance-like quality that draws the listener in and makes him/her want to hear it again and again. This is particularly true for track no. 7, 'The Human Game,' which mixes children's cries, a James Bond-like tune and a hypnotic instrumental refrain, and track no. 9, the unearthly 'Sacrifice,' which is nothing short of haunting. It isn't the happiest music, but if you're into strong melodies with a slightly Eastern whiff, this is it. Stunning.