Welcome back to our throwback series. This week’s feature is more recent than our previous throwbacks, but after going on an indefinite hiatus, this band never got much exposure.
History
My Mantle might be considered a forerunner of the strange blend of indie and post-hardcore we find from bands like My Epic, Wolves & Machines, and sosaveme. While the genre certainly has gained prevalence, it was certainly still on the rise in 2011, when they debuted their first EP, Giants. It’s a strong release that definite deserves its own proper listen, featuring powerful lyrics, moving instrumentals, and, well, it falls in line with the aforementioned bands so that should give you an idea of what to expect.
Their follow-up, You Only Live Forever, was released right at the turn of the year in 2013. Sadly, we haven’t heard much from the band since.
Review
2013 started with a bang as the highly anticipated EP, You Only Live Forever, was finally released. Though the title is a play on the infamous YOLO, this is EP is no joke. From the opening grooves of Live (A Little), the listener is greeted with a dancy-yet-sophisticated track with a lengthy outro. The other two tracks a bit more subdued in this sense, The Snake Head is sure to hit home with Circa Survive fans with technical riffs and soaring tenor vocals. Low Swing Chariot is the more melodic counterpart, on a similar level to Liturgy off My Epic’s Behold or even some of Archabald’s recent tracks.
Obvious the biggest complaint here is how short-lived the EP, and likewise the band, are. Though concise, the EP showcases mature songwriting and too much talent to go to waste. Here’s to hoping the band reunites – or at least announces some new projects.
For fans of: My Epic, sosaveme, So Long Forgotten, Archabald, Wolves & Machines, Circa Survive
Haven’t heard this one. I liked Giants, it had some really good stuff in it. I’ll need to find time to check this one out later.
Wow. This is great stuff. Nothing strange about good music.