Mantis

Umphrey's McGee finally has made a studio album worthy of the incredible talent that this band possesses. Long known for their mamoth live performances, the band's studio albums never seem to have been able to capture the same feeling. "Local Band Does OK", and "Anchor Drops" are both decent studio discs, but do not come close to what the band is really all about live. Their previous studio album "Safety In Numbers" was especially weak in this regard. So, it was with great pleasure and surprise when I popped "Mantis" into my CD player to find that finally these guys had delivered a top notch studio disc. Umphrey's is one jam band who has always forayed into the world of progressive rock from time to time, and with this album they go into full force prog mode. Some jam fans may not appreciate the direction, but "Mantis" is almost entirely a progressive rock album and a great one at that. Long epic tracks like "Mantis" and "Cemetery Walk" parts one and two are the centerpieces of this collection and certainly expand on the band's sound. Some of the guitar parts on this disc are downright David Gilmour-ish in nature and all of the instrumental interplay combine for a seriously complex listen. All of the songs here are well thought out and the band's vocals have never sounded better. "Mantis" is Umphrey's McGee's best studio album to date and will be sure to appear in many progressive rock top 10 lists at the end of the year.

WOW What a CD. This is the first UMPHMG cd ive purchassed and if this music is indicative of their catalog thenthere's alot to look forward to. the cd kicks off with simplistic but nice melody of made to measure and the moves on theepic MANTIS and what an epic it is the whole cd really shines. While im not a big fan of music in the jamband genre i canreally get into this band. It seems like UMPHMG has created their on stlye which sound more jam-eclectic then jamrock.I like what they have done, perfecting and honing their craft while keeping the basic fundamentals of jamband music. I ratethis cd as a 5 star record

After having been disappointed by The Bottom Half, I was elated to hear Umphrey's McGee come out with another album with substance that could be ranked with Anchor Drops and Safety In Numbers. I believe UM fans will truly enjoy this album that picks up where S.I.N. left off. I'm not going to pick apart and analyze each songs, but I'll say that this one gets better every time I listen, especially the title track.

Umphrey's McGee will always hold the highest place in my heart for music. They inspire me every time I listen to them or see them live. This album is one of my favorites! It really shows their musical genius. I have the CD already, but a signed copy that I am very fragile with, so I wanted a new one that I could listen to non-stop. I suggest you buy this album if you haven't yet!

I stumbled into Umphrey's Mcgee a year ago whilst reading a top ten bands that frat bros list. The usual DMB, Creed and Nickleback comments were made. The last band on the list was UM. In the description it mentioned Prog rock tendencies. Needless to say I have been hooked ever since. The record is 180 gram audiophile grade for half of the normal price. Enough said.

This album, Mantis, like all there others is great. Umphreys is a very creative, technical, and dynamic band. I've been a fan for a long time now and they never seem to dissapoint whether it be in studio or live. I highly recommend a live show. I can promise they will not dissapoint.

Great product. Great service.

Fusion, Rock, Progressive Rock, these guys execute it well ... very enjoyable album from start to finish ... another good outing for Umphrey's McGee

Mantis Never heard of these guys until my PVR picked up a Soundstage special. When I started it up I thought "Who are these guys". Well, I was very impressed from the first song onward. I came into the office next day and purchased Mantis and Anchor Drops. Wow. These guys do their own thing from 4 to 7 minute tunes and both of these records have a different feel. You like old Genesis? You like Steely Dan? I can hear some of those textures in there without it being the same. They aren't copying anybody, always a surprise, never lame. Very well done! Mantis

クールです。でもオシャレなリズム。ギターが好きな人は一度聞いてみてほしいです。曲数が少ないなと思っていましたがＣＤをパソコンに入れるとインターネットでゲットできる、ボーナストラックと歌詞カードがありました。（１０曲以上ありました！歌詞カードはもともとはついていないです…）このCDの中の曲ももちろん気に入りましたが、インターネットで取った'The girl is mine’がかなりお気に入り。Umphreys mcgeeのいくつかの曲は彼らのホームページかmyspaceで聞く事ができるので、気になったらぜひ聞いてみて下さい。私は大好き！！