10:00 PM Mantras
Delivering high-energy psychedelic rock with plenty of guitar-rocking
improv, Greensboro funk band The Mantras have been gathering a full
head of steam, delivering blistering live shows from the Triad to
Philadelphia, sharing the stage with some of the region's biggest names
and developing a hardcore fan base that feeds on the band's jam-informed
world funk rock.
Comprised of guitarist Keith Allen, guitarist Marcus Horth, drummer Justin
Loew, bassist Brian Tyndall and percussionist Brent Vaughn, The Mantras
began as a project to showcase Horth's original songs. Allen joined after
Delivering high-energy psychedelic rock with plenty of guitar-rocking
improv, Greensboro funk band The Mantras have been gathering a full
head of steam, delivering blistering live shows from the Triad to
Philadelphia, sharing the stage with some of the region's biggest names
and developing a hardcore fan base that feeds on the band's jam-informed
world funk rock.
Comprised of guitarist Keith Allen, guitarist Marcus Horth, drummer Justin
Loew, bassist Brian Tyndall and percussionist Brent Vaughn, The Mantras
began as a project to showcase Horth's original songs. Allen joined after
Thursday, June 11 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
only a few shows and each of the members began contributing to the band's sprawling, mostly instrumental compositions.
"We just all got a lot more collaborative with it," said Allen.
A North Carolina native and graduate of UNCG's jazz program, Allen characterizes the band's music as "humorous funk and
dramatic rock." While the term jamband has waned in popularity and acts like The Mantras deftly avoid being associated with a
dying scene, Allen is honest about the band's jam-heavy roots, but contends that The Mantras' flights of improvisation are less
about aimless soloing and more about the group's ability to interact in a more traditional jazz sense.
"We feel like that when we improvise, it's a lot more intentional," said Allen. "Stylistically, we're pretty much all over the place."
The eclectic grooves and stylistic versatility of The Mantras are most easily comparable to quirky jam veterans moe. and
metal-influenced improv shredders Umphrey's McGee. The band's virtuosity is also reminiscent of early 1970s live efforts from
Frank Zappa.
During the last couple of years, The Mantras have mined Greensboro's flat lining music scene, eventually selling out longtime
area nightspot The Blind Tiger. The band has also been fortunate enough to share the stage with Rusted Root, Barefoot Manner,
Dubconscious, The Bridge, Perpetual Groove, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Hobex, Hope
Massive and many more.
- David Brewer
"We just all got a lot more collaborative with it," said Allen.
A North Carolina native and graduate of UNCG's jazz program, Allen characterizes the band's music as "humorous funk and
dramatic rock." While the term jamband has waned in popularity and acts like The Mantras deftly avoid being associated with a
dying scene, Allen is honest about the band's jam-heavy roots, but contends that The Mantras' flights of improvisation are less
about aimless soloing and more about the group's ability to interact in a more traditional jazz sense.
"We feel like that when we improvise, it's a lot more intentional," said Allen. "Stylistically, we're pretty much all over the place."
The eclectic grooves and stylistic versatility of The Mantras are most easily comparable to quirky jam veterans moe. and
metal-influenced improv shredders Umphrey's McGee. The band's virtuosity is also reminiscent of early 1970s live efforts from
Frank Zappa.
During the last couple of years, The Mantras have mined Greensboro's flat lining music scene, eventually selling out longtime
area nightspot The Blind Tiger. The band has also been fortunate enough to share the stage with Rusted Root, Barefoot Manner,
Dubconscious, The Bridge, Perpetual Groove, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Hobex, Hope
Massive and many more.
- David Brewer
Beginning at 5 PM on Thursday, June 11 the Texas Pete Twin City RibFest's Main Stage will be the center of
attention as several local bands battle it out for prize money and the title of The Best Band "All Over The Triad."
The contest is being coordinated by Talent Search TV and Majic 94.1 Radio's "Local's Only" Program hosted
by Lisa Dames and Bobby Locke. These local NC bands are brought to you by Sonic Records and Talent Search
TV! www.SonicRecords.com www.TalentSearchTV.info - 336-760-1380
The Bands
attention as several local bands battle it out for prize money and the title of The Best Band "All Over The Triad."
The contest is being coordinated by Talent Search TV and Majic 94.1 Radio's "Local's Only" Program hosted
by Lisa Dames and Bobby Locke. These local NC bands are brought to you by Sonic Records and Talent Search
TV! www.SonicRecords.com www.TalentSearchTV.info - 336-760-1380
The Bands
Mirror Image - Trinity, NC (Christian-based Rock) 5 PM - 5:25 PM
Yesterday Lane - Mt. Airy, NC (Southern Rock) 5:45 PM - 6:10 PM
Goodnight Ghost - East Bend, NC (Alternative Rock) 6:30 PM - 6:55 PM
Big Daddy Love - NC Foothills (jamgrass-folkrock) 7:15 PM - 7:40 PM
Blackjack - Fletcher, NC (Rock) 8:00 PM - 8:25 PM
Pole Barn Poets - Carrboro, NC (lounge, psychedelic, and punk) 8:45 PM - 9:10 PM
Yesterday Lane - Mt. Airy, NC (Southern Rock) 5:45 PM - 6:10 PM
Goodnight Ghost - East Bend, NC (Alternative Rock) 6:30 PM - 6:55 PM
Big Daddy Love - NC Foothills (jamgrass-folkrock) 7:15 PM - 7:40 PM
Blackjack - Fletcher, NC (Rock) 8:00 PM - 8:25 PM
Pole Barn Poets - Carrboro, NC (lounge, psychedelic, and punk) 8:45 PM - 9:10 PM