Umphrey’s McGee: Mantis LP 12″ Vinyl Review
Listen to live version of Cemetary Walk
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Vinyl is on the rise. According to Nielson SoundScan there were 1.8 million vinyl albums sold in 2008. That’s a 90% increase over the same number of sales in the previous years.
Umphrey’s McGee continues to support this classic medium with their latest release Mantis. For the first time ever the band has released a studio album with all new never performed songs. Two years in the making the wait was worth it to receive an entire album of new material.
For those who say “new music sucks” they need get past their nostalgic ways and check out the latest from UMPH.
Unlzike past UMPH albums that had a wide variety of song types this albums sticks with the bands progressive rock roots from beginning to end. On Mantis the band leaves the out improvisational side and delivers a tight studio rock album that proves there is still great rock music 50 years after its inception.
The album starts with a very Beatle-esqe Made To Measure that brings up memory’s of music from another decade while still maintaining its own original sound.
The title track Mantis is a timeless progressive song with great change ups that glide it through it’s 11 minutes. Turn & Run the first track on side 2 of the LP demonstrates the bands pop appeal with catchy sing along lyrics and some great guitar playing. With Red Tape the band lets loose some amazing guitar riffs and wailing vocals that will have you hooked the first time you hear it.
Cemetery Walk is probably my favorite track on the new album. It’s starts of slow with a Joel Cummings piano solo but quickly takes off with lyrics that show the bands incredible lyrical skills.
The bands LP comes in a nice album sleeve. One of the things I like the most about vinyl is the oversized art work that you get. The LP is 180 gram, 33 RPM speed, and 12″ in size. This is a must have for any heads with a record player. Even it’s dusty – break it out!
For a sample of the new album check out this incredible HD video of the band performing 1348 for the first time live in concert Umphrey’s McGee – Matins – 1348 Live HD.
To purchase all things Mantis check out:
http://umphreysmcgee.shop.musictoday.com
The band is currently doing a 4 day run at the famed Barrymore Theater in Madison Wisconsin. From their they tour relentlessly on the east coast from Florida to Rhode Island. We’re looking forward to bringing you coverage of the April 1rst show here in Buffalo, NY so be sure to check back.
For full tour details check out the bands website.
