Gone are the days when Mantic would put on as much of a show with their actions as their music.

Embraced is a culture of hard graft and determination that, after a hell of a long time, sees them finally getting things back on the metaphorical musical map.

We've been with them through the ups and downs and round arounds and we're proud as a bag of peacocks to see them happily reaffirming our desire in live music.

Granted, not everyone will warm to their style. But to act unimpressed with them playing out of their skin at any given time or location is not easily accomplished.

Mantic are the epitome of all that's good in Mid-Ulster's music scene. And yes it is a scene.

If you've left your brain in Belfast while you take your washing home to mammy at the weekend then you shouldn't even be reading this. Go and shop for a new stripy jumper - I hear pink's all the rage these days.

The rest of us will go in search of something slightly more fulfilling. And where better to sample such delights than at one of the most successful music outlets in the country. And surprise, surprise it's in Mid-Ulster too.

The G Sessions take us on such a magical journey. Proving that even out here in the a-hole of nowhere, you can bring together said musical masterpieces.

Mantic headline with support from new kids on the block (in this format anyway), Here Comes The Landed Gentry and spooky cookie outfit, Scary Biscuits.

The Latter are first to the mic and aside from slight guitar difficulties begin to weave a path through your soul with new tune Oblivion.

Nathan and Finnoula have refined their craft within an inch of perfection and play off one another sublimely.

Last year's Rural Key cd addition, The Bad Things, reminds us why we first fell in love with them.

The Biscuits' slightly skewed view of the world lends itself perfectly to the duo's acoustic style. There's something slightly sinister and pleasing about having your heart gripped and caressed within the space of one song but until warned of any side-effects we'll no doubt keep going back for more.

Simply titled Moneyneena, the newbie plays out as a freaked out homage to Glasgowbury, a place that's offered solace to these two fine young performers and set them on their chocolate coated way.

The would-be supergroup Here Comes The Landed Gentry (a few months have barely passed and already whisperings of things great and small have been passed around) inaugurate with their debut Cellar Bar performance.

Born from the remnants of individual Derry based showstealers, HCTLG are nothing if not show-stoppingly original.

Chancing their hand at playing for pretty much as long as they can, they charge through their set with the gusto of a headlining act.

Marty Doherty on vocals is supported by three others at various intervals - each with their own thing to say and each with their own individual way of getting it across.

There's no over pushing the fact that HCTLG have only been officially around for about 3/4 months. To have achieved half of what's on show here would have been encouraging enough.

Instead with the likes of Johnny Hero and Handbreaker delivered through the hip flask interludes, we're presented with the all round package.

Re-vamped blues doesn't come much funkier than a parade with the Gentry.

And then there's our hosts, who kick off in front of a distinctly smaller crowd but none the less enthused and engaged with every note.

Since Victoria's drafting, Mantic have looked and radiated the feel of a much more accomplished and well rounded package; clearly happier and determined with what they do.

And just like the psychedelic circus which kick started all things new a few short weeks ago, Mantic roll out the carpet for another sexily coreographed show of strength, oozing coolness and class with every action.

It's in their dedication to the cause that Mantic really shine through.

Any embarrassment or nerves are left backstage as Odhran delivers the head-banging killer bass lines, as Kev gets absorbed by the band's aura, as Fionnbhar's inch perfect drumming excels, as Victoria up-front delivers kick ass vocals, as Kicky's djing compliments their every movement, as Conor's keys feel the full Mantic wrath...

Newest release Da Da Da Da Da Da Daa is warmly welcomed but until we know full track listings from the forthcoming ep we'll not get lost in other titles.

Their choice to keep the music perfected over the years and allow Victoria to inject her lyrics to the mix doesn't disillusion long term fans but still offers enough freshness to keep them on their toes.

The song once known as Werewolf Love Parade is re-energised with Miss Geelan's up-front persona and watching her bandmates get lost in the howling night time creation behind her is both mesmerising and ultimately satisfying.

For sheer hard work and commitment to the cause, Mantic should be applauded. They deserve everything they get and everything they get should be good.


Check out wwwmidulstermail.co.uk in the next few days for exclusive video footage from the gig.