Mantis

No catalogue number 2016 Cassette / Digital Design by Mark Gowing The Preservation label presents Mantis, a new album from New York¡Çs Nickolas Mohanna. Mohanna¡Çs sonic explorations are deeply rooted in place, namely the vast expanse of New York City, and hearing rhythm and textures subliminally under the everyday then sourcing from that environment gives rise to the compositions on Mantis. Mohanna¡Çs previous works (including his first for Preservation, Reflectors) have largely revolved on synth modulations, though with Mantis, his approach to tone, structure and mood works through acoustic instrumentation: zithers, bowed acoustic guitar, cymbals and bells, as well as objects found on New York streets. Elements from tapes and vinyl were sampled as foundation arrangements, forming the pulse of Mantis that all other sounds deflect off. When electronics do come into play, it creates a frisson that informs all of Mohanna¡Çs work - an abstract dynamic both thrillingly strange and magnetic. Mantis is released in a limited edition of 100 cassettes featuring abstract typographic design from Mark Gowing and digitally.