New EP from Mortal Prophets

Hailing from New York City, John Beckmann is the visionary artist behind Mortal Prophets, a project that involves various genre-breaking musicians who together explore the heart of American music and reframe it in a completely new way. Collaborating with talents like guitarist Parker Bryant and organ player Beckett Laurent, John Beckmann draws on his extraordinary originality to craft music unlike anything else.

First unveiling the Mortal Prophets sonic output in 2022 with the debut single “Stomp The Devil” featuring Gary Lucas. Followed up by a string of singles and an EP with Gary Lucas throughout that year, Mortal Prophets have since shared multiple singles, EPs and records as well as a live album with The Twang Gang (Live in Berlin) to build up an impressive catalogue of artistic work.

Now, Mortal Prophets returns with the six-track EP Sleeping in My Bed, an epic example of Beckmann’s status as one of America’s preeminent songwriters. Through this EP, Beckmann covers the complexities of life, offering a listening experience that’s at once gripping and though-provoking. Produced by William D. Lucey who also lends his musicianship flair on the bass, keys and guitars, John Beckmann’s voice joined by backing vocalist Aoibheann Carey-Philpott, Jon Cobert on piano, sax and horns from Danny Flam, drummer Gordon Ashe, Matthew Carter on drum programming and Will Wilde on harmonica.

Opened by “Bury Them Deep,” the punchy strike of drums ushers in bright plucks of guitar and warm bass notes as John’s rich voice is met by soft piano tones and lifted by backing vocals. Crafting an enveloping sound of downtempo music that pairs poignant lyricism with an alternative folk approach with tinges of trip hop vibes, it’s a powerful curtain raiser that builds from a minimal styling to a powerful burst of crunchy guitars, gritty sonic texture and intense vocal work all driven by the stomp of the drums.

“Gun and a Prayer” continues his experimental foray into a progressive folk sound that pulls a classic Americana structure through a twisted sonic lens of thumping drums and spacey vocals wrapped in buzzy echoes. Title track “Sleeping In My Bed” casts a dreamy blues vibe full of swaying rhythm and soulful vocals. Flowing with raspy vocals backed by lush voices and the colour of sax and brass tones, it’s a catchy song wrapped in a truly unique package to offer the perfect showcase of John Beckmann’s engaging songwriting and his ability to thread it through highly unique arrangements.

The shuffling rhythms of “Tom Waits in Drag” serves up a grooving energy and smokey aesthetic as John’s spoken-word style vocals roll over the bouncy beat, peppered with haunting instrumental touches. “Hell of High Water” captures a hazy country style as the hard panned guitar riff shimmers as sombre harmonica flourishes dance around John’s velvety voice. Snapping drums bring in an expansive soundscape as John’s vocals guide you through a kaleidoscopic jam that weaves memorable melodies through a trippy sonic world.

The EP closes with “Cut You Down” where deep vocalisations glide into a moody soundscape of deep drums, intricate instrumental pips, fuzzy synth tones and wailing guitar notes. Rising to an impactful wall of marching rhythm and engrossing sounds, John Beckmann crafts one final outing of his forward-thinking sound to close his superb new EP in a spectacular way.

Listen to Sleeping In My Bed below