Xylouris White is the musical collaboration between George Xylouris, a virtuoso lute player and singer from the Greek isle of Crete, and Jim White, drummer of the Australian instrumental trio the Dirty Three. They’re releasing Mother, their third album of transportive, psychedelic folk music, next month, and we’ve already heard the propulsive “Only Love.” But their new song “Daphne” is something different and, to these ears, even better, a moody, hypnotic meditation that gradually builds to a thunderous climax. Per Giorgos Xylouris:

This is a song from older days of Xylouris Ensemble. Back early 90s. That’s when I met Jim. We always spoke of recording this with Xylouris White with our arrangement and the sound of Xylouris White. Lute and drums. Now it’s coming out on our new record, Mother. The lyrics are by Mitsos Stavrakakis:

It’s a song following us a lifetime
It’s a love song and the lyrics say

I’ve got your love roots in my heart,
And your blossom in my mind

I float in your scent
Because your scent is beautiful

Listen.

Tour dates:

02/23 Portland, ME @ Space Gallery
02/24 Portsmouth, NH @ as3
02/25 Providence, RI @ Columbus Theatre
02/26 New Haven, CT @ Cafe Nine
02/28 Brooklyn, NY @ Mrmurr Ballroom
03/01 Baltimore, MD @ Creative Alliance at The Patterson
03/02 Harrisburg, PA @ The Cathedral Room
03/05 Los Angeles, CA @ Residency at Zebulon
03/12 Los Angeles, CA @ Residency at Zebulon
03/15 Portland, OR @ Holocene
03/19 Los Angeles, CA @ Residency at Zebulon
03/26 Los Angeles, CA @ Residency at Zebulon
04/03-08 Iowa City, IA @ Mission Creek Festival

Mother is out 1/19 via Bella Union. Pre-order it here.