Track of the Day: Mantle – Pearl (2025)
While the alternative rock/indie-rock quartet Mantle hails from the North West, the tale of its origin is slightly more international. When backpacking through Thailand, guitarist Jacob Mullineux and drummer Jude Lloyd crossed paths, and an initial spark for the band started simmering embers of what would later become a roaring musical fire. Returning to the UK, Lloyd met with Mullineux’s friends Ted Howarth (vocals) and George Bengree (bass) at a local pub; the rest is history. Inspired by the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Royal Blood, Mantle “fuses punchy, energetic drums and scatty guitar riffs with soaring choruses and catchy melodies” to intoxicate, entrance and capture audiences across the UK. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Pearl’.
Following their well-received singles ‘Broken Bones’ and ‘Birthday Song’, ‘Pearl’ continues Mantle’s sauntering through various realms of rock. While ‘Broken Bones’ thrashed with a hard-hitting alternative sound, ‘Birthday Song’ slithers with an indie-rock style; ‘Pearl’ oscillates between Radiohead-esque grunge and The Smashing Pumpkins-esque alternative rock. Produced by Luke Owens, the single is a combination of pounding drums, scorching guitars, a bold bass and Howarth’s rugged but dulcet vocals.
‘Pearl’ may be a toe-tapping rock song you can twirl about to and shout along, offering a reprieve during the most challenging times – or just a really tiring day of mundane work – but it holds more than moving music. Blasting from your speakers or headphones, Mantle is intriguing; yet, it is the band’s means of transcending live performances into studio recordings that make them intoxicating. The ease with which the lads entwine their instruments showcases a camaraderie and “in sync” attitude where they don’t need to speak to understand each other.
This is my introduction to Mantle, but for some odd reason, it feels as familiar as if I’d known them forever. With the promise of a debut EP coming in the new year, I will continue to entertain myself with their current discography while eagerly anticipating more from Mantle.
Find out more about Mantle on their Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify.
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