Modern rock with a classic twist

3 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Modern Rock, ROCK: Progressive Rock



Details:
Mantis and the Prayer is a musical blend of retro sounds and cutting edge avant-garde rock . The band is the brainchild of the lead singer and composer, Mantis. Although he is only 26 years old, 60âs and 70âs Rock has saturated his life. His music has been compared to the likes of Pink Floyd, David Bowie, and the Beach Boys; with more modern influences such as Nick Cave and Beck.

He has played many of the larger venues on Long Island and NYC, such as The Kingâs Club, The Downtown and CBGB.

Mantis has recently emerged on the London scene with his fierce, newly assembled backing band, The Prayer. Mantis and The Prayer have played such venues as The Brixton Telegraph, The Bull N Gate, and The Hope and Anchor.

Their debut British E.P release will be coming out through Matchbox Recordings on the 23 January 2007.

Quotes:

" Mantis and the prayer " is the eclectic, melodic, epic and debut E.P from the hot new outfit of the same name. This diverse E.P mixes a blend of jangly guitars, organs, boppy rhythms and thought provoking vocals with emotional and timeless lyrics. This is sort of Alice in wonderland modern Indie prog-rock with a Magic Numbers meets Nick Cave -esq vibe. They combine male and female vocals in a deep but sugary sweet fashion with melodies that stick in your head....cool " - Matchbox Radio 24.

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

1. Tell us a bit about the "Mantis" history to date ? Where did it all start ?

We started out on Long Island, New York playing there and NYC. Moved to London 2 years ago and love it! Re-assembled the Prayer and now have the best line up ever.

2. Who or what are your influences ?


Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys are on top of my list. Syd Barrett as well. I gravitate toward artists that stretch themselves creatively coming up with music that is unique and moving.


3. What modern artists do you like or rate ?

I like Beck, he is always doing something interesting. As well as Nick Cave which I get comparisons to. I also dig the Scissor Sisters, their mixture of dark and light imagery.

4. If you could choose to record a song with any other artist/band alive or dead who would it be and why ?


Brian Wilson right before the SMILE sessions. He was reaching out there and I would have liked to ride that wave with him.

5. What inspires you to write your music/lyrics ?

Most of the time I wake up with something in my head from a dream or something just comes to me out of nowhere. I see myself as an instrument and let the songs come to me and write themselves.

6. Name your all time fave track by another band/artist ?


I am the Walrus is up there. More recently I have discovered and love the unreleased tracks by Syd Barrett from 1968/ Vegetable Man and Scream Thy Last Scream are amazing.

7. What sort of sound can we expect from your forthcoming release ?

A mixture of retro sounds with a modern edge.


8. What are your ambitions for your music. Where do you see yourself in the
future ?

I will always be an artist for richer or poorer. But I won't lie I
will take the money if offered to me!


9. How would you describe your music and what genre do you think it fits into ?

Melodic rock with avant garde undertones. It fits under the retro rock banner I suppose. Hopefully people will have a hard time classifying my music, that means I am doing something unique.


10. Where was your CD recorded and who did the production ? Have you used a lot of modern equipment or kept it retro ?

It was recorded at The Gravity Shack in south London. I produced it with sound engineer Jessica Corcoran. It is cost effective to go digital, we used Pro Tools. On a bigger budget I
would take a more vintage recording approach.

11. Why " Mantis" where did the name come from ? Tell us more and who plays what etc ?

Mantis just came to me. I later found out it means prophet in
greek. I like the spiritual tone that has mixed with the Prayer. I write the songs, sing and play acoustic guitar. The Prayer consist of Marlo Donato on Keys and Backing Vocals. She is
absolutely amazing. She is my other half. The rest of the band, Thomas White on drums, Matthew Waer on bass and Olly
Puglisi on electric guitar. They have brought a great rhythmic sense to my songs. They are all individually indispensable to my current sound.