Two days ago, Bristol-based melancholic pop band Yard Arms released the first single from their upcoming EP Sanctuary Lines. Mantra, the lead single, has been described by lyricist and frontman Noah Villeneuve as a ‘triumphant love letter to the anxious’.
Who are Yard Arms?
“Formed in 2018, the Bristol-based transatlantic duo are a jangle-pop powerhouse offering up a taste of late noughties euphoria and heartfelt melancholy.
The first year saw them release their hauntingly beautiful debut EP ‘Maiden’, later followed up by their sophomore EP ‘A Glossary of Broken Humans & Beating Hearts’ both of which saw continued support from national radio & press such as BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and the likes of NME.
They’ve recently played notable shows alongside bands such as Arxx, Sorry, Crooked Colours, Band of Skulls, The Blue Aeroplanes and China Bears, as well as a headline slot at Rough Trade in support of Record Store Day.”
Opening with an ambient synth this is definitely the type of song you can imagine blasting from your car speakers on a road trip in the summer. The vocal tone and melody is somewhat reminiscent of 80s pop and gives the song a feel-good vibe. This being said, it would not seem out of place to hear Mantra on the soundtrack for a classic teen heartbreak film.
With a build in instrumentation, Mantra picks up the pace slightly and becomes a song that you will want to be listening to on repeat. I can happily say that this melancholic anthem is a calming listen that can be enjoyed by all, no matter what genre they favour.
The softness of the vocals and instrumentation gives the song an incredibly intimate feel. This is not the type of song that can be listened to casually, you need to really sit and feel the music and absorb the beautifully cathartic lyrics. Mantra truly is a triumphant love letter to the anxious.
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Listen to Mantra on Spotify