Katie Pruitt chants her Way to self-acceptance on “Mantras”
We all know the voice in our heads, the one that whispers doubts like a backseat driver on a particularly treacherous mountain road. Nashville songstress Katie Pruitt isn’t afraid to confront that voice head-on. On her sophomore effort, “Mantras,” Pruitt throws open the hood of her psyche, tinkering with the engine of self-criticism and emerging with a glimmering gospel of self-acceptance.
Following up on her acclaimed 2019 debut “Expectations,” Pruitt delves deeper into the fertile territory of self-reflection. This isn’t navel-gazing, mind you. It’s a full-on spelunking expedition, tackling weighty themes like disentangling from the strictures of organized religion (a familiar echo from her podcast “Recovering Catholic”), navigating the complexities of queer identity, and – perhaps most relatable of all – learning to shut down that pesky inner critic.
Produced by the dream team of Collin Pastore and Jake Finch (boygenius, Lucy Dacus), “Mantras” isn’t a dirge of despair. Instead, it’s a defiant stomp through the emotional wilderness, laced with moments of shimmering hope and Pruitt’s characteristically powerhouse vocals.
The album bursts open with “All My Friends,” a jubilant anthem propelled by rollicking guitars and a melody that could soundtrack a post-apocalyptic dance party. Pruitt sings of the splintering of religious dogma, celebrating the freedom of “a new mantra every other week.” It’s a sentiment echoed in the explosive “White Lies, White Jesus and You,” where Pruitt’s voice soars as she dismantles the weaponization of faith.
But “Mantras” isn’t just about tearing down; it’s about building up. Tracks like “Self Sabotage” and “Worst Case Scenario” shimmer with Pruitt’s sweetest harmonies, a testament to her determination to cultivate a more positive outlook. “Blood Related” tackles the thorny issue of inherited anxieties, searching for common ground amidst the emotional baggage.
The album is a tapestry woven with diverse influences. Hints of classic folk shimmer through “Naive Again,” while “The Waitress” channels the smoky allure of a late-night jazz bar. But Pruitt’s own voice remains the strongest thread, tying the disparate elements together with her raw honesty and emotional authenticity.
“Mantras” isn’t without its imperfections. Some tracks, like “Jealous of the Boys,” veer slightly towards singer-songwriter cliché territory. But even these moments feel refreshingly genuine, delivered with Pruitt’s signature wit and disarming vulnerability.
Ultimately, “Mantras” is a testament to the transformative power of self-compassion. Pruitt doesn’t shy away from the messy realities of self-doubt and societal pressures. But through it all, she emerges with a newfound sense of strength, a testament to the fact that sometimes the most powerful mantras are the ones we whisper to ourselves.
A soulful and introspective journey that celebrates the messy beauty of self-discovery, “Mantras” is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever battled their inner demons (and, let’s be honest, isn’t that all of us?).
Mantras is out April 5 on Rounder Records.
KATIE PRUITT – MANTRAS TRACKLIST
1. All My Friends
2. White Lies, White Jesus and You
3. Self Sabotage
4. Leading Actress
5. Jealous of the Boys
6. Blood Related
7. Naive Again
8. The Waitress
9. Worst Case Scenario
10. Phases of the Moon
11. Standstill
KATIE PRUITT: 2024 TOUR DATES
March 28—Asheville, NC—Salvage Station
March 29—Atlanta, GA—Terminal West
March 30—Birmingham, AL—Saturn
April 1—Kansas City, MO—RecordBar
April 3—Houston, TX—The Heights Theater
April 4—Dallas, TX—The Kessler Theater
April 7—Austin, TX—Parish
April 10—Colorado Springs, CO—The Black Sheep
April 11—Denver, CO—Bluebird Theater
April 12—Fort Collins, CO—Washington’s Foco
April 13—Boulder, CO—Fox Theatre
April 16—Salt Lake City, UT—Urban Lounge
April 17—Boise, ID—Shrine Ballroom
April 19—Vancouver, BC—Hollywood Theatre
April 20—Kelowna, BC—Revelry Food + Music Hub
April 22—Victoria, BC—Capital Ballroom
April 24—Seattle, WA—Neumos
April 26—San Francisco, CA—Bimbo’s 365 Club
April 28—Indio, CA—Stagecoach
May 7—Boston, MA—Brighton Music Hall
May 10—New York, NY—Bowery Ballroom
May 11—Philadelphia, PA—World Café Live
May 12—Washington, D.C.—The Atlantis
May 14—Toronto, ON—The Great Hall
May 16—Ann Arbor, MI—The Ark
May 17—Chicago, IL—Thalia Hall
May 18—Milwaukee, WI—Vivarium
May 19—St. Paul, MN—Amsterdam Bar & Hall
May 23—Nashville, TN—Brooklyn Bowl
June 1—Lexington, KY—Railbird Festival
photo by Alysse Gafkjen
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