If you weren’t one of the lucky ones who got to witness the sultry, ethereal, supernatural performance of Mantis and the Prayer when they last played at The Espy, no worries—they’re back for more this Thursday, June 19th in the semifinals. Before the show this unique indie band sat down to give us the low down on how the first round went and what they’re hoping to get out of the upcoming gig. Be sure to check out their live show, and in the meantime, read what the band had to say.

FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T GET TO SEE YOU IN THE FIRST ROUND, CAN YOU INTRODUCE US TO YOUR BAND MANTIS AND THE PRAYER?
We are Mantis and the Prayer. We are a unique blend of sultry, orgasmic, ethereal, supernatural rock. And we are pleased to announce our newest addition to the group… drummer Jonny Mitchell, a.k.a. Jonny Hand grenade.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FIRST ROUND FOR YOU?
The highlight was filling The Basement room with intimacy during our musical séance.

OUT OF ALL THE SONGS YOU PLAYED, WHICH ONE GOT THE BIGGEST REACTION OUT OF THE CROWD AND WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS?
Our song “Comfort Me” (available on iTunes) connected with its sexual energy and its pulp fiction flavor.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST ROUND AND WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM IT?
Expect the unexpected... our beautiful Diem came on stage wearing a long trench coat... it was soon dropped to the amazement of us all.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO BETWEEN GIGS AND WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF THE COMPETITION?
We played our last show with drummer Jay at the Corner Hotel… which was bittersweet… and was a kick ass show… so now with Jonny on board we have tackled new material… watch out for “The Sting” and “Medusa's Cry”.











SO HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE EMERGENZA FINALS?
I think our poster at The Hi-Fi will be well placed.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR UPCOMING CONCERT AT THE ESPY?
To expand our connection with even more people… to bring our new religion to their hearts and souls.

For more details on the show at The Espy, June 19th, click here.