Talking about talent and capability, there not too many artists who are capable to combine music ranging from hip-hop reggae rock, in a manner that is so enjoyable, that is what separates Ian Mantis Hillman (the Hipregrocker) from the rest. When it comes to rock, one might play faster than the other, but guitar playing has never been about speed and so many people out there are learning the same thing, Speed speed speed speed and more speed is what most rock guitarists are trying to achieve, just like prevailing singers, they are close to millions of people striving for the exact pitch and attempting to hit all notes on time when they sing, but nevertheless, they never make it to the next stage, this brings me to the supposition that it takes having it..... having that additional something, that can turn a multitalented musician into a legend. From the streets of Kwe Kwe to the bright lights of Harare and overseas to Germany. Mantis has taken his musical capability beyond the small towns circuit.
With so many bands to pay attention to, you'll find that there are just a small number that you truly can hear, you could try to examine Mantis music technically or in any other manner, but what you'll conclusively notice more than anything is that present is an insistence that pulls you and draws you closer to it, the more you listen, the more you get addicted. Average radio pop music is definitely not what Mantis composes, Ian Mantis Hillman's music goes beyond that, something about him just grabs your attention, When he performs, the hallucinogenic elements in his music that are accompanied by his sometimes gentle, sweet falsetto voice and well-thought-out lyrics in his raps, will just hold your attention, I can boldly say that Mantis Music appeals to me on a visceral level not necessary out of rational reaction, but it is more instinctual, that he's music is so powerful.
I remember "love take control" in 2006 which took control of me from song 1 by the time I was 18 tracks down the road to my positive surprise, the album was still holding my full attention. Taking a closer look at Reggae, so many people produce a similar type of reggae, even the track Tear ra has some usual elements of reggae in it, but Hillman's exudes a charisma that turns the usual sound into something special, with his talent to deliver a moving message,with precision musically and spiritually,, who knows, maybe it's his character, or he is high self expectation that helps him sink more of himself into every song, it must be God-given and from an intangible force, whatever it is, you will be of the same opinion, that you just can't take no notice of him and his music.
Mantis is not using melodramatic vocals and historical guitar solo, like many other artists out there, who force getting your attention by ways of media drama and propaganda. With Ian, it's plain and simple, he's music draws you in without you knowing, and demands that you pay attention. Most songs in the market have either a memorable hook or media propaganda associated to it. But with Ian Mantis Hillman the entire song is like a hook. He composes his music alone and when it is finished the songs can make you live the musically painted picture. The sensation you get from listening to Ian Mantis music is what you'll never forget it is unlike any other pop songs that you might just find yourself humming, because of a cheesy hooks, Mantis puts his entire heart and soul into every melody and word, but above all, the entire feeling is unforgettable.
Yet again, experience is an additional thing that distinguishes Mantis's music and lyrics from the rest. Bringing us back to what I said about Mantis not needing to do anything pretentious for the listener to listen atentively to his songs. He is confident about his music, and allows people to be judged on their merits of musicianship with respect, although he possesses the capability to perform , an overwhelming solo on bass or guitar . He is not frantic,and egocentrically trying to play the fastest scales on every guitar solo. Instead he plays the solo in the best interest of the song.
On the whole what impressed me regarding his song writing is how he is capable to add an expression here or there that leaves you positively stund. Lines like "Spread the gospel like an apostle reincarnated from a fossil. Fully loaded, we promoted in no way die, cause the Blay will in no way dry" (Making Dow), or "There will be no winners or losers only survivors" Mantis is not giving any justifications for anyones behaviour, but he's revealing to us that there's always an clarification and we should make an effort to keep that in mind prior to we jumping to conclusions about any person. As he said "spiritually speaking we in poverty, can't tell a friend from an enemy" and in one of my favorite songs from the Hipregrocker album. He clearly states that the world is going crazy (can't you see).
Discover Ian "Mantis" Hillman's music for yourself. Check out some of these videos from his live performance in Bielefeld Ravensberger park on 25 September 2010. Mantis took to the stage dressed in a white and black martial arts outfit, looking and sounding good, he opened the show with the song "Coming closer" sounding as good as one-to-one with the CD recording. This is also not very usual when it comes to live music. Mantis has tamed his sound, even when it comes to ballads like "Me and my angel". You will not be left unsatisfied. Below I will share with you some links to the live performance By Mantis in Full HD Blu-Ray video recording. I am sure you will enjoy them like I did.
Checkout http://www.hipregrocker.com for free song downloads and more information on the Full HD quality recording by the Hipregrocker. Performed on the 25 September 2010 in Bielefeld Ravensberger Park, a double concert with Dellee from the popular group Seeed.
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