This day, if any, should be a reminder to focus on the things that bring us together, rather than those that divide us. For our team, music is the first thing that we turned to this morning, knowing it’s an essential fiber that connects people all across the globe. Music brings joy. And, we feel that discovering a new artist can carry even more jubilation, which is why we do what we do.

Some may have have already caught wind of Atlanta-based Mansell from their debut single release, which found its way to the #7 spot on Hype Machine’s twitter charts just a few weeks ago. However, we’re probably safe to assume that this is your first experience with this budding, young act.

Mantra is a seven-track collection (eight, if you count the brief intro), and is a capricious blend of both upbeat and melancholy indie rock. One thing is constant throughout, though, which is an alluring blend of big, emphatic basslines, wavering guitar riffs, and memorable lyrics.

It’s a record of consciousness. Specifically within ourselves, our environment and people in our lives, as well as our perception of the world as it was all expanding in various ways. Dissecting it all and wondering what it’s all made of and what it will make for us later on.

We certainly appreciated the piece as a whole, but we did have a few favorites from the bunch, as well. “Ghosts” is the perfect track to welcome you into their sound. Providing ample energy right out of the gates, it should call on some associations of acts like Two Door Cinema Club and older Bloc Party. Splashy cymbals, beautiful vocal harmonies, and clean and properly placed guitar work accentuate the lyrics and interesting vocal cadence perfectly, giving an entertaining ride throughout.

We could certainly go on about other selections we’re particularly enjoying, but we’d rather you just dive in head first and listen for yourself. After you’re done, make sure to head over and pre-order Mantra on iTunes. It’s dropping this Friday, so you won’t have long until you can add this into your personal collection.

’Walking On Bank Street’
’Ghost’
’Age’
’Cloudland’
’A Love Immodest’
’Character Portrait’
’A Note 2 Myself’
’King Pleasure’
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