Review Summary: Will you look into the mirror?
Every so often, an album comes along that spans beyond our comprehension. One which channels humanity's ethereal voices into a graceful reflection. It's a manifestation of the soul, redeeming all who look upon it. Drawing from a vast array of creative and cultural influences, Loreena McKennitt's "The Mask and Mirror" is a transcendent, hypnotic masterpiece of new age wonder.
From beginning to end, this album entrances us in both performance and storytelling. Draped in a mystical haze, "The Mystic's Dream" lays a foundation of strings, rhythmic bells and angelic voices. It's a mesmerizing bouquet of vocals, accented by swooning reeds and drums. The lyrics depict a deep spiritual connection to the natural world and a protagonist in the loving embrace of the Earth. Loreena comes through as more than a performer, but rather a shaman of Celtic magic. Her voice is Heaven in sound, with every uttered syllable a gift to the ear. The music channels her passion for world travel and history, illustrating the mysteries of our past.
While offering a bounty of new age delights, the musical approach is surprisingly diverse. Every track feels unique, yet stays cohesive as part of a complete work. For example, "The Bonny Swans" is a relative departure in both lyrics and sound, with soaring electric guitar leads and surprisingly dark themes. We're told a mid 17th century British folktale of two sisters. The older sister grows jealous of the younger, and drowns her in a body of water. When the murdered girl's body floats ashore, a craftsman fashions her body into a harp, which then plays itself and tells the tragic tale. Morbidity aside, the subject matter is conveyed with such creativity that it never feels jarring or unsettling. "Marrakesh Night Market" takes a different direction, placing us in the heart of the majestic Kasbahs and bustling crowds. We're told of ancient wisdom, spirituality, and a connection to God. Phrygian strings and reeds dance on a foundation of diverse percussion, forming a lush soundscape like the coasts and deserts of Morocco itself. "Full Circle" is yet another flavor, as the vocals take the forefront atop a minimal string arrangement. "Full Circle" and the Shakespearean "Prospero's Speech" are a welcome reprieve, elevating Loreena's vocal prowess above all.
In closing, "The Mask and Mirror" comes across as more than an album, but rather a reflection of the world's splendor. It's a highly introspective work, brimming with atmosphere and passion, and the diversity in songwriting keeps us interested from cover to cover. Emboldened by many travels, talents and experiences, Loreena McKennitt delivers an otherwordly experience that taps into our inner voices. She reminds us that we are all connected, across borders, languages and cultures, as one lifeforce in the graces of nature. Thank you for reading.
