Anyone get Umphrey's McGee "Mantis"?

great album that is STILL growing on me after at least 10 listens. 

they are definitely more "eclectic prog" than any other imo...but then again, it all depends on what album. :D


Edited by Doomcifer - February 09 2009 at 17:29

If the person who sold me Mantis haunts this site, I'd like to say much thanks publicly.  I ordered two other titles from others and they haven't yet arrived, which isn't actually a problem as I get to enjoy Mantis for a while before exploring further.

Edited by Slartibartfast - March 06 2009 at 19:44

I have to say that so far I'm a little disappointed . My immediate reaction is that there is not enough ' light' and too much ' heavy'. The album seems short on dynamics - there are too few lighter more melodious interludes and little exposed and song building soloing imo. I'm not a fan of the heavy drum sound used here and, in parts, the heavy drumming technique . Solos , melodies and sometimes vocals are overpowered and swallowed up by a ' wall of sound' type layering and mix .

I realised from other reviews there wasn't going to be much jamming but I was expecting greater variation in sound, production values and songwriting.

I feel they may have gone too far out of their way to produce an album with a sound that is a major departure from their earlier trademark style. A sudden quantum leap to a 'heavier 'release. I realise that many enjoy this, but it wasn't what I was looking for or expecting .

But I am still listening........maybe it needs more time. I hope so . These are my initial impressions.

mrgd wrote: I have to say that so far I'm a little disappointed . My immediate reaction is that there is not enough ' light' and too much ' heavy'. The album seems short on dynamics - there are too few lighter more melodious interludes and little exposed and song building soloing imo. I'm not a fan of the heavy drum sound used here and, in parts, the heavy drumming technique . Solos , melodies and sometimes vocals are overpowered and swallowed up by a ' wall of sound' type layering and mix . I realised from other reviews there wasn't going to be much jamming but I was expecting greater variation in sound, production values and songwriting. I feel they may have gone too far out of their way to produce an album with a sound that is a major departure from their earlier trademark style. A sudden quantum leap to a 'heavier 'release. I realise that many enjoy this, but it wasn't what I was looking for or expecting . But I am still listening........maybe it needs more time. I hope so . These are my initial impressions.

i was a little disappointed (or at least not completely interested) when i first got it. by the 3rd listen or so i got hooked

i should mention i hadnt listened to the band in well over 5 months prior and kinda 'forgot' about their previous work and based my opinion on the album by itself, as one musical statement (which i feel more people here should do btw)

dont take this as me trying to convert you or whatever, i just felt i had to express all that

I also agree that one would do best to judge this album on it's one, without the past albums in mind.  I think that;s why I was initially disappointed on my very first listen.  Then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

bump!

darkshade wrote: if you put all their albums (and live shows) in perspective, they are more eclectic than anything. The jazz-rock title fits to an extent, but they venture off into funk, metal, pure prog rock (if you know what i mean), classic jam band type sound, textural improvisations that ARENT jazz-related, etc, as well as jazz/jazz-fusion. so i think they should be moved, which would mean another thread somewhere else

As a fan I have several of UG's studio albums (plus Jimmy Stewart) and would argue strongly that it is difficult to find the jazz in their jamming - the exception being when they hire a jazzer in for the sessions, e.g. Joshua Redman. For a reference point check out any live album by Wayne Krantz  issued from his website, that's jazz rock jamming.

So far, I've taken in Mantis, Local Band Does O.K., Live From The Lake Coast Skyline Stage DVD (2002), and
Wrapped Around Chicago New Year's At The Riv DVD (2004-2005).  What i've heard is extremely exclectic, elements of Zappa, Supertramp, Gentle Giant, Allman Brothers,The Bears, Grateful Dead, Phish, King Crimson, Rush, Brand X, Happy The Man, Al DiMeola...  There's even a track at the end of DVD 1 called Mullet Over that's played while the credits run, sounds like a long lost Dixie Dregs tune.  The New Year's Eve show has covers of Ophelia (Robby Robertson), Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel), Auld Lang Syne (some Scottish Dude ).  They even break in to a little Primus' My Name Is Mudd in one song,


Edited by Slartibartfast - March 07 2009 at 22:25