The Mantles [rank: 569] based on users subscribed

The Mantles are a San Francisco band that play lo-fi psych-pop. Or at least that's what people like to say about them. I hear elements of Velvet Underground. I hear a darker strain of their fellow Franciscans, The Botticellis.

[ira]

Bandega Interview with Virginia Weatherby and Michael Olivares of The Mantles (April 2009)

This round of Fernet shots is on The Mantles.

Q: How have your shows changed over the years? Has your perspective on performing live changed?
A: "We started out as a three piece just fucking around in Virginia's garage....Michael on guitar/vocs being the only one who knew what the heck he was doing, and we played mainly so we could drink beer in the day and not feel bad about it. So our early days playing shows, we were definitely rookies. You honestly didn't know what was going to happen...could be okay, or could be total slop town. But we gradually got better and so did our shows. Eventually, Jermaine, our original bassist left, and a couple of shredders jumped on board, and now we totally rule.

Q: Describe the most memorable live show you've played.
A: It's quite memorable 'cause it just happened. It was a "demolition party" that our pal Utrillo from Colossal Yes/Comets on Fire set up because his practice space was closing down and the building was going to be demolished the following day. While we were playing in one of the rooms, other bands were rushing to get all their stuff out of there before the building was no more. There was a life size cut-out of BB King that our bassist really wanted to steal, but the departing rocker said he needed it. The minute we stopped playing, hammers were being smashed into the walls, and a couple of televisions were thrown off the roof. It was also our first show playing with our buddy Matt Kallman from Magic Bullets sitting in on Farfisa because our lead guitarist was storming the country as Mr. Personal from Personal and the Pizzas. Sounded a-okay.

Q: What venue do you consider to be your "home", where you feel most comfortable, with the crowd and the place itself?
A: That would have to be the Hemlock Tavern here in San Francisco. From pretty much day 1, Tony B, who books the place, took us under his wing, and has treated us right. Swell guy, and a fun place to play. He also likes to do Fernet shots with you whenever you see him. That makes us feel really comfortable! Just like home.

Q: Describe the most enjoyable show you've ever experienced as a fan.
A: Personal and the Pizzas at Shoreline.

Q: What other San Francisco artists/bands do you consider part of your community? Are the connections you share based on similar musical styles? Friendship? Chance? How does this community affect the music you make?
A: There are a lot of bands in San Francisco that we admire and are pals with, though it seems like we never completely fit into any of the scenes here in the city. When we play garage shows, we're a bit too wimpy, when we play more pop shows, we hurt people's ears, when we play "psych" shows, our jams are too short. But we like it this way because it means we get to play all different kinds of shows, instead of being lumped into one scene where you play with the same bands over and over again. But it's always most fun to play with your friends bands, lots of back slapping after the show feels good. Real good.

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