MANTEL - DISCONNECTED EP REVIEW

“An EP of energy, ethereality and epic proportions.”

Photo: MANTEL

Glasgow based Alt-Rockers MANTEL have spent 2026 cooking up something special. After releasing a series of singles in 2025, the band have leant into their grungier sound on their latest release, debut EP Disconnected.

Released earlier this month, Disconnected is a debut EP of epic proportions; one that balances energy and ethereality in perfect measure, earning the band comparisons to The Mysterines and The Pretty Reckless.

Produced by Blair Crichton of Dead Pony, the EP opens with all the fuzz and attitude of Oasis’ Rock ‘N’ Roll Star’, undercut with haunting female vocals in the simply named ‘Intro’.

‘Generator’, which dropped as a single earlier this year, is a fantastically moody and massive sounding track which pulls us deeper into the angry and ambitious atmosphere created by the band on their debut. It’s in your face, scuzzy rock at its finest.

Track 3, the title track of the EP changes up the vibe. ‘Disconnected’ provides a more up-beat, danceable moment, carried by an absolute ear worm of a guitar riff. A track just waiting to be heard on the festival stage.

‘Don’t Say My Name’ brings down the tempo, with an obligatory acoustic moment –an ‘Only Exception’ style emotional ballad with a “Fuck You” French kiss. It’s nice to see a band at such an early stage of their career showcasing their range and adding variety to their sound. As vocalist Alisa Hutton belts out “I hate you, I hate you” when the track reaches its crescendo, we feel it. - We’ve BEEN THERE, making it a perfect post breakup listen.

‘After Dark’ brings the EP to a thundering close with some truly excellent guitar work. It flips the script on the usual narrative of rock songs, putting the female vocalist in the position of power. She confidently states: “You’re like the puppet and I’ve got all the strings”, perfectly fitting with the rockstar idgaf attitude that runs throughout the EP.

Taking inspiration from the imperfections of early adulthood, MANTEL’s latest release is cathartic and relatable listen. Paring musings on the complexities of modern life with a rawness and energy that is so uniquely found in the music of young bands at the start of their careers, Disconnected is collection of songs that packs a punch. Keep MANTEL on your radar, we promise this won’t be the last you’ll hear of them.

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