Posted: by The Alt Editing Staff
Atlanta’s Thomas Howard, who makes music as Orchid Mantis, surprised listeners last month with an unannounced album drop on Bluesky. They referenced their Bandcamp prerelease from January 24th, describing it as “nine short abstract guitar works recorded in August 2024, tracked and varisped to cassette tape.”
All Howard’s work is steeped in nostalgia, crafting analog relics that echo the hazy warmth of old films and the slow decay of aging media. This latest release, rain tape, feels like the cool, dewy chill on the back of my neck during early morning wake-and-bakes on my South Philly back patio.
As I listen, my cat rolls blissfully in dust (or maybe stray cat poop?—I try not to think about it), the tree swallows and chimney swifts chitter (go birds!), a nearby Toyota Corolla engine sputters as if my neighbor is learning to drive for the first time. And yet, within the gentle warble of these tracks, I find a rare and quiet serenity.
Disappointing / Average / Good / Great / Phenomenal
rain tape is out now via start-track.
––
Mol White | @molemanmedia | @holymoleman
The Alternative is ad-free and 100% supported by our readers. If you’d like to help us produce more content and promote more great new music, please consider donating to our Patreon page, which also allows you to receive sweet perks like free albums and The Alternative merch.
