Mokoondi

RESTOCK. Following two previous full-lengths (each garnering outstanding acclaim from magazines like Wire, Spin, and LA Weekly), the "Collaborations" EP with members of rex, Jim O'Rourke, Takemura & Aki Tsuyuko, as well as a host of 12"s & remixes, Mice Parade is back with its third album, "Mokoondi." What started out as a studio project for drummer Adam Pierce has developed into a full touring band, based around the cheng (Chinese harp) and a serious two-drum kit rhythm section. Other instruments include vibes, violin, classical guitar, rhodes piano, and old synths, played by members of Dylan Group, Tower Recordings, & Alles Wie Gross.

The music of "Mokoondi" sets itself apart from other Parade releases. Complex drumbeats groove their way through multi-part adventures, with more of a direct focus on the rhythms and melodies found in the pygmy cultures of the African rainforest. The tone quality and harmonic resonance of the cheng are particularly intriguing. Here, the pop hooks of past Mice Parade albums are sacrificed (but not entirely) in favor of extended song development and improvisation. This is evidenced right from the album's starting point, "Open Air Dance," which impressively evolves from gentle, acoustic improv based on the pentatonic scale, to crazy, driving, live-electro dance music, complete with SC pro-one synth lines. Enjoy.