This, the only album from seventies Canadian band Mantis, only has three truly prog songs, but somehow remains quirky and likeable throughout. Like many bands of their time, Mantis shows quite a bit of humor in their songs, which sound to me to be mostly inspired by the west coast rock (The Jefferson Airplane, The Mamas & The Papas, The Doors...) of that era. The three songs that spark my interest are What Does It Take, a piece that starts out somewhat nondescript, but turns into a sound like what Pink Floyd was working on in those days. Fred another shifting styles song, begins as a country blues jam, but after a nice guitar solo, the keyboards turn it into something similar to Keith Emerson & The Nice. Eyes Of Fire, the proggiest piece on the album, is a Santana-like jam, with some fusion and symphonic breaks. Line-up / Musicians Philip Aker/bass Mark Bajona/guitar Rick Elger/vocals,harmonica Daniel Hutchison/drums Martin Swehdlow/keyboards Christine Williams/vocals Discography(Album) Mantis 1973
1.I Don't Ever Want to Get Married 2.Communique 3.Walking Away 4.What Does It Take 5.Fred 6.Hollywood Eyes 7.National Blues 8.Take Me Back 9.Eyes of Fire
