Alien Ant Farm – ~mAntras~
Release Date: 26th April 2024
It’s hard to imagine it’s been twenty-three years since Alien Ant Farm were thrown into the limelight with their infamous cover of Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’, let alone a full decade since their previous full-length release. Refreshed and inspired, the band return with their sixth studio album ~mAntras~, an album that seeks to carve out space for their well established brand of noughties alternative rock, while remaining authentic to their roots and influences.
Being four years in the making (tracks such as ‘Storms Over’ and ‘The Wrong Things’ had initially been recorded back in 2020), the group have traded the commute for comfort this time round, in self producing and recording ~mAntras~ from drummer Mike Cosgrove’s home studio. A decision that translates clearly in the confidence and performance of these eleven tracks. ~mAntras~ is a record that shines the spotlight on a group that are able to write to their strengths, drawing from their experience and growth together in order to bring the best of their ability to the table.
Vocalist Dryden Mitchell cites multiple influences throughout this album, most notably the want to focus on prog elements, and upon listening there are plenty of references just below the surface. ‘The Wrong Things’ teases us with reggae style syncopation and trademark effect soaked guitars, before diving into the first of many anthemic choruses to feature across the track list. ‘Last dAntz’ is a boisterous single that pays homage to their roots in crafting thick, sing-a-long earworms, while ‘Fade’ could have been a b-side off of their breakthrough 2001 release ‘Anthology’.
‘Storms Over’ juxtaposes between jaunty acoustic guitar verses and pogo inducing electric leads before going into ‘So Cold’, a track that is tinged with nu-metal motifs and a blistering guitar solo. As the album draws to a close, we have a trademark reimagining of a pop classic, this time being the Wham! hit ‘Everything She Wants’, before closing on the title track ~mAntras~, an unexpected percussive jam that reflects on lines from their back catalogue.
Through longevity comes freedom, and it’s refreshing to hear an artist produce an album without restriction, that’s equal parts for them as it is for their audience. Whilst it’s a delicate balance between fan service and nostalgia, ~mAntras~ sets out to remind listeners of those moments that make Alien Ant Farm stand out from the rest, and their individuality certainly deserves a warm welcome back.
Recommended Track: So Cold