Mantra is fast becoming one of Australia’s most eminent hip-hop artists. After setting a new benchmark with first solo effort Power Of The Spoken, the Melbourne emcee is back with an explosive new release entitled Speaking Volumes. Combining both musical proficiency and articulate character, Mantra has delivered a seamless, holistic album. Speaking Volumes exhibits the intricate philosophizing idiosyncrasy of Mantra’s rhymes.

Publicly, yet astutely labelled ‘your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper’, it was no surprise that an inundation of accomplished names stepped forward to contribute. Speaking Volumes features an impressive array of guest artists such as Promoe (Looptroop Rockers, Sweden), Drapht, Urthboy, Illy and many more. Production-wise, the album boasts a stylistically diverse selection of sounds; each producer bringing his own realm of sonic brilliance to the fore. Speaking Volumes credits beats from the likes of M-Phazes, El Gusto and Mista Savona among others.

‘Language and words have been important to me my entire life. I believe them to be crucial to not only music and art, but to life and to humanity. They are humanity’s finest achievement, and our most valuable (non-physical) resource. I consider them to be one of the only passions in my life, and one of my only strong suits. I refuse to engage in, condone or support violent behaviour, as I believe it to be futile and appalling, as well as something that has scarred my life, so my only option is to fight with words.’ Mantra

Speaking Volumes is out now through Obese Records and available where all good Hip Hop is sold.