Evelyn Hylands sits down with one of the University of Glasgow’s fastest-growing bands to discuss their recent headline show at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and their ever evolving sound.
Fresh from the release of their latest single, MANTEL took to King Tut’s legendary Glasgow stage, following in the footsteps of some of rock’s most iconic bands. They have also been added to the stacked line up at this year’s Tenement Trail, where they will bring their high-energy set alongside some of the city’s biggest names. The band’s sound has developed at a rapid rate, producing tracks such as Run Fred Wild, as they draw inspiration from diverse sources— including classically trained cellist turned bassist, Lauren.
Formed entirely of University of Glasgow students, the band is rising fast and showing no signs of slowing. Made up of Jake (drums), Ailsa (vocals), Owen (guitar), Fraser (guitar and vocals) and Lauren (bass), MANTEL are establishing themselves as a staple of the Glasgow music scene.
Beyond personable charm, MANTEL deliver a powerful sound. Their passion and talent shine through on stage, and the sold out King Tut’s headline proved exactly that. Alongside a performance at the First Draft zine launch, the band continue to craft tracks designed to fire up a crowd. When I spoke with them, Owen called in from a museum in Prague – underlining the packed schedules they now balance with their music. They praised the Tut’s sound team for making them “sound the best they ever have”, a sentiment that reflects the band’s modest, down to earth nature.
Ailsa commented on how she was particularly struck by the sight of unfamiliar faces wearing MANTEL merch in the audience. “It was cool to see people I didn’t know and people wearing our merch”, she said— the show was clearly a significant step towards the recognition the band is steadily earning. Their performance, driven by Ailsa’s commanding vocals, gritty guitar riffs from Fraser and Owen, and Jake’s dynamic drumming, ensured they captured a packed-crowd with ease.
When asked about Glasgow’s student music scene, the band were quick to highlight the importance of open mic nights. They made several of their first appearances at BLOC+, using open mics as a platform to test new material and build confidence. Owen explained that they are “great spaces to find like-minded people to chat to”, with Jake adding that both open mics and the University’s Music Society provide invaluable opportunities for students looking to get involved.
The band also spoke about their sound as something constantly changing and developing. For Ailsa, what matters most is enjoying the songs themselves: “It’s most important we really enjoy the songs, those are the ones we always put the most time into.” They pride themselves on being able to change, grow, and learn through their music, seeing life experience and emotion as essential tools in songwriting. Although they kept their future plans close to their chest, Jake hinted that recording may be on the horizon.
MANTEL are a band that seem destined to grow with time. Their passion, optimism and drive are inspiring, and their rise within Glasgow’s music scene shows no signs of slowing. They are certainly a band to watch in the year ahead, and it would be no surprise to see them produce even bigger things in the very near future. With their mix of charm, grit and ambition, they successfully embody the energy of Glasgow’s student music scene at its best. From open mics to sold-out shows, they have already carved out a place for themselves and their story is only beginning. If their King Tut’s headline is any indication, this is a band ready to take their sound far beyond the student circuit.
Image credit: MANTEL