Prangin’ Mantis – King Dave (2023)
Wrapping a sense of eclectic mysticism around a bold garage rock sound, UK-based Prangin’ Mantis are a band spinning you about and leaving you wondering what just happened. Formed in 2019, the foursome began playing gigs across London; however, Covid brought a halt to their music ambitions. While things were put on a hold gig-wise, Prangin’ Mantis used those pandemic years to build up a catalogue of original material. In 2022/2023, the group recorded and released two singles – ‘Kick Off’ and ‘King Dave’. Come with us as we dip into their music with the track ‘King Dave’.
Following the debut ‘Kick Off’, ‘King Dave’ present a nostalgic brand of garage-rock with a tinge of rock and roll flowing through. Unlike ‘Kick Off’ which has a strong Joy Division meets The Clash tone, this sophomore single leans toward The Beatles with its jangly guitar. Yet, while the groovy tones of the 60s flow beneath the melody, Prangin’ Mantis retain a gruff rock flair.
What I really love is the breath of old-school melodies taking me back to the sounds of yesteryear. A laidback single, ‘King Dave’ has a chilled-out vibe soothing audiences from the first chord. Laidback and easy on the ears, ‘King Dave’ has a mellifluous quality; however, it dips into psychedelic rock plunging forward in a head-spinning fuzz of guitars. Not to say these “all over the place” riffs bring a frenzied state. Instead, the mishmash of music enhances the joyful, jagged jangly-ness in ‘King Dave’.
Aptly describing the theme of the song in a kaleidoscopic platter, ‘King Dave’ is the soundtrack to an average day for the everyday person. Prangin’ Mantis explain that ‘King Dave’ is a “…laid-back profile of a decidedly average hero, the quintessential flawed everyman, and an insight into his character as he navigates his way through a regular day in his unextraordinary life.”
Enchanting and intoxicating, ‘King Dave’ showcases Prangin’ Mantis’ versatility as it moves to a soothing groove from the high-paced chaos in ‘Kick Off’. I am keen to hear what else this talented group have in store.
For more from Prangin’ Mantis, check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
