On This Guardian at Noon, Vyktoria Pratt Keating ventures into the mystic in search of spiritual peace and expression. Whether longtime fans will want to join her on the journey remains to be seen.

They can't say they weren't forewarned. Formerly known as Vicky Pratt Keating, the singer-songwriter has reclaimed her first name, chosen an unconventional spelling for it, and released what she herself is calling a New Age recording. If Keating previously appeared to come out of the Joni Mitchell school of song craft, she now seems to be taking graduate courses from Enya.

The good news is that Guardian is a lot more interesting than the sonic sedatives often promoted as New Age music. For starters, Keating's spiritual quest has done nothing to bridle her imagination, so apparent in the surreal narrative "When I Dream" and the metaphysical ballad "Where You End I Begin," or rob her lyrics of the poetic grace that's proven so seductive in the past. The arrangements, which make colorful use of guitars, keyboards and percussion, are also a big plus, at once alluring and inventive.

However, unlike Keating's 1993 album, Blue Apples, the music on Guardian is of a peace, resonating with metaphysical themes. Some listeners not attuned to New Age thinking may well find themselves yearning for musical pleasures more immediate and accessible.