Label: Tiger Style Records

Release Date: September 9, 2003

Nanang Tatang - Muki
Matthew Stone

Sometime in the fall of 1994, the duo of Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton released Tales of Brave Ida under the name of Ida. This album was the stripped down beginnings of what later became the fleshed out and matured version of Ida, complete with the additions of Michael Littleton and later, Karla Schickele. But with the recent release of Muki, Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton disguise themselves as Nanang Tatang, and continue with what might have been, had not Ida evolved in the way that it did.

Those thinking that Muki would be an extension of the latest Ida albums will (hopefully) be pleasantly surprised to find that is most certainly is not. Gone are the super-lush vocal harmonies, the emotional lyrical intensity that could leave you feeling drained, and the complexity of what made Ida so great. Yet, the lulling drones and expanded sonic landscapes, simple soothing electronic beats, and mesmerizing vocals allow you to just sit back, bob your head, and relax. Muki starts out with the droning beauty of ”Bunny Hop Hop,” which begins with a smooth drone, and is perhaps more reminiscent of Low or Landing. The albums continues, featuring Elizabeth Mitchell more on vocals on songs “On Me Forever” and “R U Ready.” The lyrics are not as heavy compared to her prior efforts, but it is a nice change of pace, one that allows more focus on the beauty of background.

"Booster Shot” and “Can’t Help It” are perhaps the most reminiscent of previous Ida efforts (and perhaps the strongest songs on the record), bringing back the beautiful harmonies Littleton and Mitchell are known for. The album perfectly ends with the pleasantly chilly "Last Train Out,” a song which is half lullaby and half cynicism wrapped up into a nice little ending.

The bottom line really, is that this is another fine effort by Littleton and Mitchell, and although I’m not too hesitant to say that this doesn’t quite rank up there with Ida’s best efforts, this is still a fine album. It’s been on repeat ever since I got it, and I don’t think it will leave my CD player any time soon. You really can’t go wrong when those two are involved, and even when they are not at their best, (which isn’t to say that

posted 09.20.03

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We once had a photo of Matthew Stone holding a bunch of banana. Think what you will. E-mail him at kingmatthew76@hotmail.com

2002 White Elephant Productions