Local Review: Andrew Hsu – Mantra

Andrew Hsu
Mantra
Self-Released
Street: July 31st, 2025
Andrew Hsu = Jinsang + Mac Miller

Summer canyon drives are begging for new music. For getting to know someone new, a canyon drive can be the perfect time for a deep talk with a friend or romantic interest. The music in this scenario matters; something that is effortlessly cool, but not too many words to overtake the conversation. Enter Mantra by Andrew Hsu. 

The majority of the album features frequencies that are soft and comfortable; filling the space without the need for many lyrics. The rhythm in tracks such as “Golden Smile” and “Two Weeks” are reminiscent of Circles by Mac Miller. 

On the topic of youth and summer, the album’s fourth track, “Lisa,” feels unique because of its synthwave-like genre.  A feminine voice says, “Why didn’t you just lie,” into which a male voice responds, “I did.” While vague in nature, I believe this allows for people to make their own connection with the meaning, since there are few other intelligible words afterwards. 

Hsu’s artistic choice to focus more on the instrumental elements of each song allows this album to translate from youthful summer, to accompany more mundane tasks such as working, chores or homework. Each song is atmospheric, but steady and repetitive enough that I could put it in the background and still be able to focus on work. 

While so much of Mantra can be listened to very casually, there are few songs that are seemingly incongruous with the rest. The album’s first track and namesake, “Mantra” is truly just that, a mantra. The sample repeatedly chants, “Hare Krishna,” which comes from a branch of Hinduism, formally known as Gaudiya Vaishnavism. 

“Mantra,” is upbeat and seemingly effective in providing specific energetic vibrations. Using this song as the opening of this album is a curious decision, and I’d be interested in hearing the backstory of this song and its place on the album. This is particularly interesting, as the transition from “Mantra” to “Golden Smile” feels abrupt. During my first listen through, I checked to ensure I was playing the album, and not listening to something entirely new. 

“Dilla,” which is the last song and the album’s most popular song on Apple Music, has an ending-credits, coming-of-age feeling with the sample of friends laughing at the end. I imagine a group of friends walking away from something, laughing, pushing each other around after a long day in the summer heat. The perfect way to end a blurry summer day. —Porshai Nielsen 

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