“MaNtras” : The Emotional Journey You Need To Hear

BY DANIELA MIRELES

Acclaimed singer, songwriter Katie Pruitt released her highly anticipated album “Mantras” on April 5th. Formed by eleven tracks that dive into themes of family, religion and a personal journey, Katie delivers emotional and personal work that will resonate with her audience and far beyond it. Produced by Jake Finch and Collin Pastore, known for their work with highly acclaimed Grammy winning artists Boygenius and Lucy Dacus, “Matras” is here to show that Pruitt is a songwriter and performer we should all keep an eye on. 

Throughout this album, Katie Pruitt shares her journey of self sabotage to self compassion, sharing the importance of nurturing kindness to others and to one’s self. This idea is definitely seen throughout each track with the raw lyrics and emotional authenticity, backed by talented musicians including Maggie Chaffee, Dave Cohen, Anthony Da Costa, Kris Donegan and others that use their incredible ensemble to create an out of this world experience for listeners.

The opening track which also serves as the lead single of this album, “All My Friends” talks about friendship and the evolution of beliefs within them, it gives a reflection and thought provoking emotions on the intersections faith and friendships have. With the stunning guitar riffs, Pruitt’s vocals demonstrate the song’s core. This track seems like an invitation to listeners for a self discovery journey, and invites them to reflect on friendships despite everyone going through different changes at the same time. This opening track sets an emotional tone for the album, as it follows through a journey of discovery and faith. 

Rolling Stone highlighted “White Lies, White Jesus and You" as the “Song You Need To Know” and it is truly non discussible as it is a song you absolutely need to have in your playlist. This song follows her journey as it serves as an anthem of things she has left behind in her life, and talks about her personal struggles with religion. Puritt reminds us with this track that “spirituality is yours to define”. 

With major Fleetwood Mac vibes, this album is accompanied by light drum beats and beautiful guitar riffs, the song “Self-Sabotage” is definitely a highlight of it. This song talks about the singer wanting to love someone but refusing to do so until she becomes a better version of herself that she truly loves. The bridge of the song is incredibly powerful, as it makes you think about your own self and even makes you reflect about embracing the power of self-love. With its honest lyrics, it provides a safe space for fans to confront their own difficulties and strive to become a better version of themselves. As her vocals soar over amazing drum beats and astonishing guitar riffs, she reminds us how music can help heal one’s soul.

Another album highlight along the lead singles is “Phases Of The Moon” as the lyrics are heartbreakingly beautiful and Katie’s voice is soft and pure. The song talks about changes and paints them as phases of the moon which gives an image of moonlight nights, and a beautiful night sky full of stars. The background vocals and the beautiful yet calm guitar help give the imaginary depth, and make your mind go to the most wonderful night you could ever imagine. This song showcases Katie Pruitt’s ability to make the listeners take their mind to another world while listening to her songs. The lyrics “Lately i’ve been thinking prayers are just wishes that never come true” are devastatingly yet so pleasing, and the metaphors that are used throughout the song are what makes this track stand out. 

Pruitt embarks on her headline tour soon, including stops in New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Seattle and many other cities. It is a promise that her live performances will be an experience that will linger in the audience’s heart and will definitely help as a transformative experience for those attending.  Since the opening chords of the first track in this album, you can tell “Matras” is not like any other album out right now. With stirring melodies and melancholic lyrics that make you reflect on your own life, beautiful vocals backed up with an amazing ensemble band, this album makes you take your own quest for your own journey to finding the best version of yourself. With this album, Katie Pruitt defines herself as a songwriter and singer that needs to be on everyone’s radar right now. In the last chord, she leaves fans with a sense of light and reminds us that an institution doesn’t define our spirituality. 

With the 11 tracks of this record , Pruitt navigates through themes of change, love, faith and overall the human emotions and experiences we all live through. The album offers an inside of Katie Pruitt’s mind as she talks about religion, liberation, and a desperate need for change. Each track on this album is delivered by a range of guitar riffs to drum beats, the choruses of these songs are like shattered glass, heartbreakingly honest and vulnerable that can make you cry but at the same time help you heal any past wounds. What makes this album so captivating is the honesty and passion that is shown in this record, the lyrics that are being sung show us the affection Katie Puriff puts into the creation of her music and helps us immerse deeper into an imaginary scene. 

This album feels as if Ethel Cain’s lyrics were mixed with the iconic and brightful sounds that Fleetwood Mac has, creating this wonderful collection of personal tracks that can be relatable to audiences. This album is for people who love both of these artists and have been waiting for this specific type of music. I think this was a great album, from the opening track that made my eyes tear up because it made me think of the people that surround me to the calm love song that was “Leading Actress” which made my heart burst with love. This album is definitely a must listen to, as well as Katie Pruitt being an artist you have to add to your playlist.