Tea at Mocca

Is it true that distance and time make things so much better? In some cases, the answer is yes. This theory also seems to work on Mocca. I, as one of the witness who has been following their career since their early days, have been lucky enough to see they grow. They started out as a college band, with no records; and today, they are an internationally well-known indie band. I must say, they have come a long way, and I’m happy to see their great achievements. Just like a great bottle of wine, Mocca’s musical quality just keeps getting better with age. The moment when Arina moved to the United States, undeniably it became a critical point that defines Mocca as a group. Fortunately, distance didn’t stop them creating great music. With great distance and a time apart between Arina and the rest of the group, along with the help of technology, Mocca used this opportunity to prepare the best materials for their latest album, titled: Home.

Now that all the band members have all grown up and all created their own little family, the word “Home” suddenly has a new depth of meaning. On a bigger scale, through the track ‘Flower City’ they tell a story of their own beloved city, Bandung. If we listen carefully to all the songs in the album, we can actually thread every single song to the daily theme that is so “Bandung – like”; a theme that all the local Bandung citizens can relate to, despite the international quality of their musicality. I think this is their way to show the audience the true identity of Mocca, which comes from the strong sense of locality, that is Bandung.

Riko’s songwriting has become more mature in this album, while Arina’s vocal sounded like her, only more mature and polished. There is a new nuance of depth and mellowness in this album compared to the previous albums. New sounds that Mocca had chosen, overall felt richer, varied, and brave. Tracks from Indra and Toma also strengthen the characteristic of this album. To sum up, Mocca steps forward more confidently.

If you had a chance to get to know the band closely, to watch how they interact with each other; with each member, the additional players, and crewmembers, I’m sure you and I will come to the same conclusion. They interact beautifully like a one big family. They interact in such way that makes you feel warm; they are very close, and very homey. That is exactly my impression of this album. Listening to this album, I felt like I was invited to their house, while they proudly shown their framed pictures of their journey, their growth, had a cup of tea and Arina’s homemade cookies. It totally feels like home; home sweet home.

I imagined, at the end of my visit, we will raise our glass and toast, I will say my hope and prayers for the band, so that Mocca will keep fermenting and aging like a great case of wine. I will also say to them, there is no need to rush, take as much time as you need. Relax; chill out a little if you need to, stretch out your legs just as you do at home. But stay strong, strengthen your root, and stay grounded. That, in my opinion, is the true sign of mature creativity, and Mocca definitely has it.

Dee Lestari

Loosely translated by: Amanda Soedharma J

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