Events

[JAM] Three albums in, Greensborough’s the Mantras had to do some shuffling following the departure of Marcus Horth, one-half of the double-ax assault at the band’s forefront. Their fourth and most recent studio release, Jam Bands Ruined My Life, came out two years ago (following Horth’s departure) and features Umphrey’s McGee guitarist Jake Cinniger in a couple spots to help pick up the slack. The tracks were also recorded at Cinniger’s home studio, where the group once again became a sextet with the addition of keyboard player, Justin Powell, who fills in the remaining musical space very well. The resulting disc, and the overall Mantras sound, is a refreshing spin on the jam band template with plenty of proggy pockets and a funk-jazz sensibility that occasionally makes you wonder if you’re listening to a blaxploitation soundtrack—and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Permeated with a polished sheen in which other jam outfits seem afraid to indulge, the Mantras come off as musically organized and self-assured—something they’ll surely radiate on Thursday at Buffalo Iron Works with unnamed special guests.