Chicago-based tape label, Wild Patterns, describes Orchid Mantis as ‘the ambient /experimental / dream pop solo project of Georgia-based artist, Thomas Howard, who creates a mystifying grab-bag of lo-fi ambient textures, found sound collage and hazed out pop explorations.’ And indeed he does.
Beginning with birdsong, but soon building into a dreamy sonic cloud which draws in bits and pieces from every corner of everything, the all-pervading mellowness of this EP is contrasted with an almost overwhelming sense of eclecticism where its sonic formation is concerned. Having been originally released digitally last summer, it’s one of those works that seems well-suited to a cassette release.
Collectively, the five tracks which comprise ‘To Get Back There’ conjure a sense of wistful reflection, contemplated in the dappled shades of sunlight through orchard leaves. It’s a vague evocation, a soft, sighing post-rock chime which had a degree of emotional pull, despite the absence of any overt sense of direction. ‘To Get Back There’ doesn’t convey anything explicitly beyond itself; the singing doesn’t really draw attention to itself of the lyrical content, and ultimately, it works because of, rather than in spite of this. The message is in the medium.
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Orchid Mantis Online
Wild Patterns Online
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