MNO is vibraphonist, producer, and laptop artist Michael Emenau. He presents a mixed bag, with five tracks in different styles, drawn together by stately melodies and a relaxed feel. All but one are over six minutes long and the total is over half an hour, so this EP is closer to CD length.

1. Che
2. Kat Mix
3. Delay-o
4. Sub(nautic)
5. Cats

"Che" begins and ends with quotes from Che Guevara in English. That is the only connection the song has with its subject, except for a slight South of the Border flavor. This slinky lounge/exotica number is headed by vibes backed by hand percussion and pizzicato strings.

"Kat Mix" has Middle Eastern melodies played on a violin-like stringed instrument, alternating with subdued jazz vibes. "Delay-o" is electric piano based jazz. "Sub(nautic)" drifts along like a submarine with minor-key vibes, keyboards, bass, and drums. "Cats" is a beautiful, slow-moving ambience that stretches out shimmering keyboard notes.

Vibes are used for both percussion and melody, and MNO has learned how to blend them together quite well. His rhythms fit organically into his compositions, and are not just tacked on, as they are in too many releases. These "rose-bush sessions" bloom wonderfully.

~ Dave Howell

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