"Mantra" is a song by Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, and Trent Reznor from the 2013 album Sound City: Real to Reel, the soundtrack to the 2013 documentary Sound City.[1][2][3][4][5] Grohl was joined by different artists for different tracks as Grohl's Sound City Players. For "Mantra", the final track on the album, he was joined by Homme and Reznor. Homme also appeared on two other tracks on the album, "Centipede" and "A Trick With No Sleeve".
| "Mantra" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, Trent Reznor | |
| from the album Sound City: Real to Reel | |
| Released | March 12, 2013 |
| Genre | Alternative rock |
| Length | 7:43 |
| Label | RCA Records |
| Songwriter(s) |
|
| Music video | |
| "Mantra" official music video on YouTube (instrumental version) "Mantra" official music video on YouTube (with vocals & guitars) | |
History
editThe song was recorded during the jam sessions at Studio 606, which is Grohl and the Foo Fighters' own studio, where Grohl moved the notorious Neve 8028 console from Sound City after it had closed. The collaboration for "Mantra" was announced on December 14, 2012, two days after the live debut of another song, "Cut Me Some Slack", which features ex-Nirvana bandmates Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, Pat Smear, and ex-Beatle Paul McCartney.[4][6]
Live footage from the studio, which features Grohl, Homme and Reznor performing an instrumental version of "Mantra", was released via Rolling Stone's official website on March 7, 2013.[5][7][8] In a second step were added Reznor's distorted guitar and the interweaving between the singing of the three musicians: "Grohl delivers the primary vocal, but by song's end, Reznor has grabbed the mic, while Homme delivers harmonies and guitar work throughout."[9]
Reception
editThe song received positive reviews from the critics. Chris Martins of Spin praised the track, calling it a "transcendent, nearly eight-minute track." He also noted the song's transition, with describing it as a song "which opens with a simple drum beat and bass, then slowly grows into a gargantuan slab of soulful rock before ending in an orchestral explosion of guitars and keys and fuzz";[5] "a delicate tapestry supported by percussive beats and occasional piano trills midway through this one. It has the big layering crescendo typical of Reznor’s work, and is quite impressive. It also features a lengthy Nine Inch Nails-esque bass and effects-heavy breakdown."[10] Michael Nelson of Stereogum stated that the song does a "surprisingly good job of featuring all three of its stars" and found it "very subdued and gently textured".[9] The song was also compared to Reznor's recent works with How to Destroy Angels.[9] Rolling Stone also gave the song a positive review, complimenting the "trio's impeccable chemistry".[8]
Personnel
edit- Dave Grohl – lead vocals,[9] drums[8]
- Josh Homme – bass,[8] guitar,[9] backing vocals
- Trent Reznor – electric piano,[8] guitar, lead vocals[9]
References
edit- ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Original Soundtrack - Sound City: Real to Reel". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
- ^ Hudson, Alex (December 14, 2012). "Dave Grohl Gets Paul McCartney, Josh Homme, Trent Reznor, Stevie Nicks for 'Sound City' Soundtrack". Exclaim!. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
- ^ Young, Alex (December 14, 2012). "Dave Grohl's Sound City album features Trent Reznor, Josh Homme, and more". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
- ^ a b Pelly, Jenn (December 14, 2012). "Nirvana/McCartney Track on Soundtrack to Dave Grohl-Directed Film; Grohl Also Teams With Reznor, Homme, More for New Collaborations". Pitchfork. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
- ^ a b c Martins, Chris (March 6, 2013). "Trent Reznor, Josh Homme, and Dave Grohl Approach Transcendence on 'Mantra'". Spin. Spin Media. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
- ^ Childers, Chad (December 15, 2012). "Dave Grohl reveals 'Sound City' documentary cast + soundtrack details". Loudwire. Townsquare Media. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
- ^ Pelly, Jenn (March 7, 2013). "Watch Dave Grohl, Trent Reznor, Josh Homme Play "Mantra" From the Sound City Soundtrack Live". Pitchfork. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e "Dave Grohl's Sound City Players Pound Out 'Mantra' in the Studio - Premiere". Rolling Stone. March 7, 2013. Archived from the original on 9 March 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f Nelson, Michael (March 6, 2013). "Sound City Players – "Mantra" (Feat. Josh Homme And Trent Reznor)". Stereogum. Spin Media. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
- ^ De Medici, Alessandro (March 15, 2013). "REVIEW OF SOUND CITY SOUNDTRACK". love&scream Town. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
External links
edit- Official website for the documentary "Sound City"
- Making of "Mantra" on YouTube
- Instrumental studio performance of "Mantra" via Rolling Stone
- "Mantra" official music video on YouTube (instrumental version)
- "Mantra" official music video on YouTube (with vocals & guitars)