MANTIS

I own two UMPHREY'S MCGEE albums including this one("Mantis") from 2009 along with "Anchor Drops" from five years earlier in 2004. This is a band who have earned a reputation for being an incredible live act. They have played countless concerts over the years, and they have a very loyal following. Tons of energy and quite powerful but the songs are catchy and the vocalist can sing with the best of them. The lyrics are a huge positive, very well done. For me the biggest differences between this record and "Anchor Drops" is that "Mantis" sounds more mature and maybe a little bit more proggy. Still I prefer "Anchor Drops" where it's like the hits just keep on coming.

These guys are a six piece with a drummer, percussionist, keyboardist, bassist and two guitarists. And they can play! Punchy sounds, wicked guitar solos, this is a very entertaining band. These Americans are from the Mid West and they like to have fun. This particular album seems to have a theme about relationships and the title is telling as we know what the female mantis does to her male mate when she's done with him. So yeah this is a record with lyrics that most guys can relate to, and have some laughs along the way. I have a top five, and there are ten tracks in total worth about 54 minutes.

As far as the keyboards go they are not the focus usually as that is the guitar, but we do get some piano mostly along with synths and some organ. But lets talk about my top five. "Made To Measure" is the perfect opener with the lyrics being so impressive. Typical guy talk here and it's pretty funny this short 3 minute opener. The title track is the longest at almost 12 minutes with repeated themes and excellent contrasts. So catchy too, and powerful. Some calms here and how about that absolutely beautiful section starting at 6 minutes. Gorgeous!

"Cemetery Walk" at 7 1/2 minutes is interesting because the fast paced vocals with attitude bring MAROON 5 to mind surprisingly. Of course the music here is played at a much higher level, I'm just talking vocals. So catchy! Quite powerful at times plus some piano led bits. "Spires" at over 7 1/2 minutes has a powerful start and we at first get piano then synths and both will return. Heavy at 4 minutes then a beautiful calm a minute later. Wordless multi-vocals dominate over the final 1 1/2 minutes. Nice. "1348" is the almost 5 minute closer and my final top five. More of the same really and I'm thankful for that. Sounds build to a powerful level but this is catchy and fun with plenty of guitar solos.

The previous collaborator claims this record is too American but I'm not sure why that is a problem. If I wasn't here in Canada the USA would be my next choice.

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