Mandala - Mandala

Mandala

Mandala
self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5

​By Mike Pryzgoda
​

The self-titled EP from Mandala is an excellent collections of grooves, songwriting, and production.

The opening track, "Millie Ans" features prominent lush organ, good harmonies, and a slick guitar break through the lens of 1970s funk mixed with reggae. Its a good groove throughout complete with a fake ending then a fantastic organ solo.

"Lampadaire" is based around Doobie Brothers-ish electric piano.  There are some fantastic keyboard breaks and a really great balance of organ and electric piano.  The Beatles-ish bridge is an effective and interesting twist in the song.

"J’viens date Voir" (like the final three songs on the EP) opens with drums.   The staccato pattern moves into minor guitar arpeggios, before revealing a song that could be a theme song for a James Bond film or simultaneously an epic dance track with sixteenth notes on the hi-hat.  The song goes on a little long, but there is a nice build with organs and nimble piano runs before a slick guitar solo.

"Renters" is an instrumental with gong like cymbals over a steady beat on the toms.  Complete with reversed guitars and cymbal rolls and open droning synths, there is a strong and welcome Eastern influence that pervades within.

​The EP closes with "Ton Calendrier" a dream-pop song with a telegraphic guitar line, buzzing synths, good use of hi-hat, and lots of energy. Its a fitting conclusion to an EP with lots of good songwriting, performing, and production.

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