Mantra’s debut album, Power of the Spoken, is driven by the importance of the verbalized thought; a way to paint ideas, thoughts, and opinions in its most effective form. In the opening title track, he breaks down the very word “mantra” as a concept- chanted and recited through history as “phonetic outreach” and distilled here as an introduction to his own; “spoken word as a weapon.”

Power of the Spoken is an electric hip hop album that isn’t afraid to embrace worldly elements. From the mystical Eastern influences of the title track to the multi-lingual and piano-based Fall Guy, the album features production by Mista Savona, Count Bounce and M-Phazes. The latter of whom produced the album’s first single, I Hereby Stand, a stand-out track powered by hard-hitting percussion and razor sharp flow. The track is the album’s right hook, the telling of Mantra’s credentials up to now- the blood and sweat spent on years of playing shows and the tireless work of becoming one of the finest emcees in the country.

In Mad With It, Mantra (with guest Jeremedy) takes an ironic jab at a world gone crazy, while in the aforementioned Fall Guy, he takes a somber look at personal vulnerability; someone wracked with anxiety and depression, finding a way to cope through lyrical catharsis. Perfect Little Island is a fine example of Mantra’s unique ability to display his vision of the world, backed by brooding bass-heavy beats skittered with tinges of more electronic diversions; a dynamic combination of gritty musical textures and urgent thought.

Like Perfect Little Island, the album isn’t about broadcasting a message, but rather exploring the word and the language as the most effective tool for discourse translated by hip hop. Power of the Spoken represents diversity in style linked thematically by a strong belief in what it proclaims. His talent is undeniable and this, the Mantra takeover, resonates with the unquestionable power of the spoken word.

Power Of The Spoken by Mantra is Triple J’s feature album all this week.

Track listing:
01. Power of the Spoken
02. The Wait
03. Thanks For Tuning In
04. Perfect Little Island
05. I Hereby Stand
06. Flightpath
07. Remember Where You Were
08. Fall Guy
09. Live It Out (ft. Cisco Tavares)
10. Mad With It (ft. Jeremedy)
11. I Wanna Go Home
12. Hip Hop Never Left