MOCH

Nahuatl for “all, everything”, MOCH is a collaborative electroacoustic duo between malletpercussionist Patricia Brennan andpercussionist, drummer and turntablist Noel Brennan (DJArktureye). MOCH also performs with special guests. Previous guests have included bassistMichael Formanek, percussionist Mauricio Herrera, among others. In December 2019, MOCHpremiered an audio visual suite composed by Patricia Brennan called “Raíces Jarochas” (Rootsfrom Veracruz) inspired by sounds and memories from Brennan’s native Veracruz. This suite was part of the 2019 John Zorn commissioning series at National Sawdust. 

In 2021, MOCH members Patricia Brennan along with percussionist/turntablist Noel Brennan,also known as Arktureye, released "Maquishti Prismatic," an electronic re-working of Patricia’shighly praised debut solo album Maquishti, one of the most highly praised experimental albumsof 2021.Performed solo by Patricia on vibraphone and marimba and employing unusual techniques andoccasional electronics, many of the compositions on Maquishti were borne from improvisationscreated live in the studio. At times exploring silence and space, stillness and patience the albuminvestigates new sonic territories with an endless sense of curiosity.Speaking on"Maquishti Prismatic," Noel Brennan says “Texturally paradoxical, smooth butsharp, Maquishti has been in my ear and part of my life since the compositions were beingcreated. I feel fortunate to have gotten to know Patricia’s musical personality and be around itspatient strength. This electronic piece is made up of various samples across her solo record. Thecollection of phrases chosen are moments on the record floating in time. This piece brings sonicabstractions of an underlying pulse based on each sample's texture.”

MOCH members, Patricia and Noel Brennan reside in Brooklyn, NY and are planning onreleasing MOCH's first full album in 2024.MOCH reviews: “The music is tight but fluid, and moves from earth to sky and back with ease. It’s melodic andoozing within spacious, woven structure. For one brief passage, at the end, Brennan playsunamplified marimba with the most condensed harmony of the evening. It is striking. Otherwiseshe is melting the vibraphone into Mauricio Herrera’s patient, intricate Afro-Latin rhythms, orreturning to an impressive duet with Michael Formanek on upright bass. They offer as virtuosica scat as you can imagine, in unison, and delightful.”Lana Norris, National Sawdust Log 2019