Margarita Mantis, the Southern California-based lyricist, producer, and mixer, has released a provocative new single, ‘Though The Poppies Grow’. This Binaural Rock ballad takes a bold stance against war and military glorification, offering a stark and unflinching look at the psychological toll on soldiers and the devastating impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.
Known for her introspective musical style that artfully explores self-growth and the complexities of adulthood, Mantis dives fearlessly into new thematic territory with ‘Though The Poppies Grow’. The song is told from the perspective of a veteran haunted by their traumatic experiences, addressing the incoming soldiers who are yet to face the horrors of war or are newly impacted by it.
"I wanted to create a song that felt timeless and carried a sense of tragedy and irony that mirrored the lyrics," Mantis explains. "I drew inspiration from classical pieces like 'Swan Lake' by Tchaikovsky and combined it with the sharp, vigorous sound of classic metal.”
The song's lyrics are a powerful indictment of the futility and brutality of war, challenging the patriotic narratives often associated with military conflict. Mantis cites John McCrae's poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ as a key influence, noting that she always interpreted it as a lamenting poem, condemning war, despite its frequent use as a patriotic piece.
Musically, ‘Though The Poppies Grow’ marks a significant milestone in Mantis's career as her first song engineered in her signature Binaural Rock style. This innovative genre incorporates binaural panning, an audio mixing technique that creates a 3D sound sensation, immersing the listener in a unique and captivating auditory experience.
"Binaural Rock is my eponymous musical genre that embraces binaural panning, creating an illusion of instruments moving around you in a 3D-like mode," Mantis explains. "It blends elements of melodic rock and punk with what I call the 'hybrid method' in binaural panning, where some elements are kept static (stereo-mode) while others shift through space without any pattern."
‘Though The Poppies Grow’ is a powerful and thought-provoking song that challenges listeners to confront the harsh realities of war and its lasting consequences. It is a testament to Mantis's artistic vision and her commitment to using her music to address important social issues.
You can stream the new single today and watch the official music video on YouTube. Be sure to check out Mantis’ website and social media pages below for more emotive releases.
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