Great Music While High: Man Mantis

Keep an eye out for Man Mantis!

My favorite music tends to be the kind in which a unique world exists within the sound. Especially when it comes to electronic music, the wide range of sonic options available to a good producer these days is staggering; it comes down to who is able to use the right amount of each element to make a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts. Denver-based electronic music producer, Man Mantis, has figured out his own style and creates some of the most promising beats in recent memory.

Pay what you want on Bandcamp, so I paid $4.20!

In real life, Man Mantis is Colorado native Mitchell Pond. After attending college at the University of Wisconsin, Pond moved back to Denver and has made a name for himself there in the past several years, producing beats for indie rap legend Sole, curating a series of “Audiodrome” shows, and very recently opening for RJD2 at Denver’s Bluebird Theater.

Vol. 2 coming Feb 28 on Bandcamp

Man Mantis’ latest release is Majestic Dimensions, Vol 1, a 4-track EP that serves as a perfect introduction to the glitched-out world that he inhabits. Drawing from a sound that could be compared to the likes of Flying Lotus and TokiMonsta, the 4 tracks on the new EP feature some great sounds to kick back to during or after a seesh, preferably with some very stoney sativa bud that makes everything around you look and feel like its melting. After a brief intro, opening track “Ocelot” drops into a blissful beat that you simply can’t help but nod along to, and that segues seamlessly into the aptly titled “When You’re Laughing in The Dark.” Both that and “Kalimba” are exquisitely produced tracks that just feel good to listen to.

The short release leaves listeners wanting more, with a closer featuring guest vocals from  Nocando and Decomposure, highlighting Man Mantis’ keen ability to share and enhance any spotlight.

Man Mantis

Fans of live electronic music should definitely check out Man Mantis’ live show, which often features custom visuals and projections.

He also has several videos on Youtube that are great for staring at while baked at home, and social media seems to indicate that there are more custom videos coming soon to compliment the new releases. Here’s “Minor Aches & Pains”:

The latest EP is to be the first of three planned parts, with a second “Majestic Dimensions” dropping on February 28, according to the Man Mantis Facebook page. I’ll definitely be on Bandcamp later this month, ready to get the next installment of Man Mantis’ jams.

Check out other posts from Weedist’s Great Music While High series!