Mandala
Mandala have been described as “Darkly romantic” and “Folk-noir” - their sound is as much about intense passion as it is moments of beautiful introspection. Taking influence from everything that captures the relevant atmosphere and mood - be it folk, jazz, electronica, progressive rock - they weave haunting tapestries of romantic melancholy melded with influences of the East
On record the music is a beautifully organic amalgamation of acoustic instruments, natural sounds and lush orchestrations. At the most intense moments it’s like been gently beaten with a velvet cosh whilst lying on a Persian rug in a candle lit room with a bottle of red, a good friend and the moonlit sky for company. Intoxicating, addictive and compelling
However, live performances take the songs to a different level. They are stripped down instrumentally; built up atmospherically and, through real time electronic manipulations, reborn into dynamically contrasting epics: one moment a whisper, the next a scream - but always with a captivating passion and raw energy that draws the listener into their world
On stage the ensemble incorporate guitars, gadgets and grandioso; flutes, fairy lights and fortissimo; drums, delays and doloroso; laptops, lava lamps and lamento; reverbs, reds and rallentando; voices, valves and vibrato; bass, sub-bass and bravado with a stage set up that somewhat resembles a science project. If that doesn’t intrigue you then it should
Within all these things there is a beauty and a darkness.
Within all these things there is Mandala.