Solid craftsmanship might sound like an attribute
better suited to an SUV than an indie-rock disc, but glitz and gimmicks can
only get you so far—and no band is better built for the long haul than
Ida. Co-leaders (and couple) Daniel Littleton and Elizabeth Mitchell have
chugged along in folk-pop humility since 1994's magnificent Tales Of Brave
Ida; nine
albums later, Lovers Prayers finds the duo still set in its ways, but having no
trouble refreshing its formula. Propelled by fluidity and warmth, Lovers' 16 songs unfold and
flutter delicately while holding swells of distortion and odd time signatures
just at arm's length. Once bracketed neatly by the stark harmonies of Low and
the dynamic anthems of Seam, Ida has become a gentle force unto
itself—and Lovers Prayers hums with dependable, perpetual grace.