Mantis

Rod Pappas (guitar/vocals), Laurie Vitt (guitar), Rob Rideout (drums), and Charlie Moss (bass) were Mantis, a hard-rocking four-piece from Tempe, AZ. The dual harmony guitar threat of Pappas and Vitt drove the band, which fused a Lynyrd Skynyrd-inspired Southern rock influence with the hard rock tendencies of Foghat. Mantis enjoyed their share of local notoriety throughout the mid-1970s. The band regularly packed bars with crowds rocking out to songs like “Omaha” and “Rat Race Rock and Roll.” Mantis booked time at the well-known Phoenix recording studio Audio Recorders of Arizona and recorded several sides. In 1974, Larvae Records issued the band’s first single, two Pappas-penned songs, “Insane” b/w “Country Cowboy.” “Country Cowboy” was a departure from their usual hard rock anthems but showcased the impressive fiddle work of Pappas, which was a fan favorite. Fervor Records acquired the band’s superb back catalog and is proud to perpetuate this nice slice of 1970s rock.

Rat Race Rock & Roll Album

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Rat Race Rock & Roll

Insane Mantis Album

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Insane

Tracker finds Mantis

Mantis
Credits, Placements
Mantis Rat Race Rock and Roll

The Company You Keep, Pretty Please

Mantis, The Triplett Twins
Credits, Placements
Mantis Rat Race Rock and Roll

Echo 3 Premieres With Fervor

Mantis
Credits, Placements
Mantis Rat Race Rock and Roll

El Presidente Finds Mantis

Mantis
Credits, Placements
Mantis Rat Race Rock and Roll

Young Sheldon Has Fervor X 3

Dixie Peach, Mantis, The Mears Brothers
Credits, Placements
Mantis Rat Race Rock and Roll

Young Sheldon, Wastin’ Time

Mantis
Credits, Placements
Mantis Rat Race Rock and Roll

North By Current, Wastin’ Time

Mantis
Credits, Placements
Mantis Rat Race Rock and Roll

S.W.A.T. Finds Fervor

Mantis
Credits, Placements
Mantis Rat Race Rock and Roll

Mallie Ann with The Velveteens