Mortal Prophets releases new EP

Led by New York City’s John Beckmann, Mortal Prophets explores the avant-garde fringes of modern music. The project, which began in 2022, is known for its unique reframing of American music, blending traditional elements with a cutting edge, genre-breaking twist. Collaborating with talented musicians like guitarist Parker Bryant and organ player Beckett Laurent, John Beckmann channels extraordinary originality into crafting an astonishingly unique output in today’s musical landscape.

Since starting out, Mortal Prophets have made a notable impact with a series of successful singles, EPs and a live album. Their debut single, “Stomp The Devil” featuring Gary Lucas, set up a series of innovative releases. Coming off the back of recent records such as Sleeping In My Bed and HANUSSEN The Enigmatic Clairvoyant : An Opera, Mortal Prophets continue their prolific creative spree with the brand new EP titled Brian Eno In Heaven.

Inspired by the spirit of Francis Picabia’s call for the constant renewal of ideas, John Beckmann’s latest work, mixed in Dolby Atmos, reaffirms his place as a restless innovator in the musical sphere. Across this six-track collection, John Beckmann and Mortal Prophets guide listeners through a labyrinth of sonic explorations that cast a chilling and mesmerising spell.

Setting the release up with the stripped back instrumental opener “Drowned Lands,” the soft tones of a bass synth is met with glistening sonic textures to form a downtempo and atmospheric sound. Bubbling synth stutters adds to the hazy scene as the piece drifts through a sea of swirling sonic fabric with the soft taps of percussion adding delicate rhythm.

“Mesmer on Holiday” continues the journey into an eerie musical world as intricate chiming tones and stretched notes tumble into an intriguing and subtly haunting sound. With “Swimming With Witches,” a lively energy is injected with the marching pulse of percussion and intense synth arrangement. Rising with sweeping sonic swells and tinged with a context of occult rituals, it’s a deep and hypnotic odyssey that presents a moody deconstructed dance piece in a dark ambient setting.

On “Fraulein Anna Sprengel” Mortal Prophets casts a rhythmic spell cut with mysterious Eastern structures that nod to the origins of The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. With the patter of tribal beats blending with the rattle of a modern kit, airy instrumental pips and shimmers collide to craft a truly mesmeric and thought-provoking sound full of twists and turns.

Title track “Brian Eno In Heaven” provides the closing moments with an elegant outing of charming electric piano tones, the warbling builds of soft synth tones and ethereal vocal textures resulting in a delightfully jaunty piece that threads complex musical ideas through a minimalist creative lens. Once again delivering an enveloping and enjoyable work of art, with Brian Eno In Heaven, Mortal Prophets offers a worthwhile exploration of avant-garde music that continues to showcase the sheer depth of the project’s creativity.

Listen to Brian Eno In Heaven below