Mandala - Chronicles of a Blind Man
Mandala is no stranger to Music Meds By Mel. Last month, I featured the single, “Modern Struggle” off his EP, Chronicles of a Blind Man before the official release. After reviewing “Modern Struggle,” I was intrigued to hear the rest of the album, so I was happy when Mandala reached out to me to write up a review for Chronicles of a Blind Man.
The common theme of good versus evil in “Modern Struggle” continues in the beginning of the Chronicles of a Blind Man EP. “Incel” is a song about staying celibate in order to stay focused on the game. Is the game his rap career? Is it his path to stay pure? Mandala is trying to ignore the extremely long list of temptations from women that may steer him away from his dream.
On “Temptations,” the narrator on this track is the inner voice of a demon trying to tempt Mandala to give in to his desires that surround him. This demon tries to convince Mandala that God will forgive him after he sins. Like a devil on his shoulder when he’s contemplating between a good or bad decision, he just wants Mandala to give in. The keys and horns on “Temptations” provide a musical representation that emulates the good time he’ll have if he gives in to what this demon is saying to do.
At first listen, “Blind Love” sounds like Mandala is rapping about a woman who came into his life to continue his struggle with fighting off the temptations. Did he find that one true love? However, if you listen to the song again and dissect the lyrics, it seems as though he’s talking about finding God. The “Blind Love” is the love of God. Even though he can’t see it, he feels the love and wants to embrace it. The beautiful background vocals of Mandala’s sister, Mia Bertino, completes a perfect partnership to go along with Mandala and his music, very similar to a classic hip hop/rap/R&B pair like Eminem and Rhianna.
The EP concludes with “Little Faith” which is Mandala welcoming God and declaring his faith. He believes with a little faith, he can achieve his goals and dreams. He’s open to making a change in his life. Mandala wakes up and realizes that through all of his struggles, if he turns to God, he’ll give him the strength to win the battles. He sums it up with the lyrics, “In the end it will be all ok.”
Chronicles of a Blind Man is similar to watching a character in a movie. In many movies, the main character has a setback to overcome. The audience is immediately drawn to this kind of character because they want to root for the underdog. They’re invested throughout the movie as they follow the journey of this character as they fight through the struggles in order to achieve their dream. Mandala is that main character as you listen to each track in order on the Chronicles of a Blind Man EP. He starts off by exploring the evil side he’s battling with the first four tracks. On “Blind Love” it’s as if someone has entered Mandala’s life to show him how to love and how love can save him from the devil. With “Little Faith,” he comes to the conclusion that through all of his struggles, his faith in God is what’s going to help him through everything.
Mandala pours his heart and soul into his lyrics. His fears, temptations, wants, needs, and overall internal struggles of a young man are all out in the open on the Chronicles of a Blind Man EP. Most people would keep these kinds of thoughts inside or in a journal that no one will read. Mandala has chosen to display everything to the world in the name of his art.
