Stalwarts of Melbourne's underground scene, Mantis and the Prayer's newest release 'Roses Blue' is a passionate tribute to the memory of Mantis' sister Jacqueline.
Born from an unimaginable place of loss and desolation – Jacqueline was a long-time survivor of sexual and domestic violence – Mantis channelled his feelings of angst, agony, and despair to write a song honouring his sister's memory – a musical journey of childhood reflection, innocence lost and the anguishing response in the spirit realm.An art rock, dark pop song soaked in longing heartache, simmering with a morose anger, and cloaked by tactile sorrow, yet offering a sombre beauty, 'Roses Blue' is a poignant, stark and touching ode to the grief-stricken pain of losing a sibling.
"I really never got to say goodbye to my sister. So I created this as a reconciliation of the heart," Mantis shares. Today, scenestr is honoured to premiere the 'Roses Blue' music video.
"I don't want to waffle on," Mantis says, voice catching, "but if we don't talk about it [sexual and domestic violence], it's like we're accepting it. The more we say it's unacceptable, the more we make space for that to change. We have to shine that light."
The cinematic video beautifully encapsulates Mantis' love for his sister and was the brainchild of Mantis in collaboration with two filmmakers, Spike McKenzie and Wilk.
"It is told in two movements and echoes the story arc of the song, lyrically and musically. In the first section there is darkness, despair, pain and reflection – something precious has been lost. The second movement is a searching – a break through to the beyond, to the spirit realm, to reconnection."
The 'Roses Blue' name comes from the tragic fact that Mantis' sister was blue when she was found unresponsive as she'd stopped breathing. In the clip, when Mantis comes into the after world and sees the blue rose, this symbolises he was on the right track to finding his sister.
In the video, Jacqueline puts a cape around him and sends him back to this realm, to keep living this life even if it has to be without her, but first they reconnect and promise to keep close.
Mantis speaks softly about his sister, about survival, and about how music remains the only way he knows to stay close to what's gone. "Sometimes we do something with the suffering," he says. "That's what 'Roses Blue' is."
This weekend, Mantis and the Prayer will further honour the memory of Jacqueline with the official launch of 'Roses Blue' with a live show. "Welcome to an evening of the fantastical, magickical and sonic surrealism. Misfits, renegades and those who lust for wonder we have created space for you.
"This extremely special night will be a profoundly intimate and powerful single release and fundraiser show. As part of this single release, all profits will go to the charity Safe Steps.
"This fundraiser honours the memory of Jacqueline Parmelee (beloved sister of Mantis) who was a long-time survivor of sexual and domestic violence. It is in her name we will help give shelter to those needing protection and support.
"We will conjure up the purest elation which will fill the room and take us all to another level!"
Mantis and the Prayer joined by Dandelion Wine and Fabels play Bar Open (Melbourne) 2 August.
