Mortal Prophets – Born Under A Bad Sign (2023)
Eclectic, obscure, odd, quirky, just plain strange – Mortal Prophets is a transcendental journey to an otherworldly state of musical bliss. The project of US-based John Beckmann, the veteran musician pushes the lure of post-punk into a snazzy sense of blues with new-wave electronica kicking up the rear. This is my introduction to Mortal Prophets, but he has been turning heads across the globe. From Punk News to Wonderland Magazine, Fame Magazine, and Scene Point Blank, Mortal Prophets has a reputation for “…a dreamlike state…” (Fame Magazine) and being “…hypnotic and bone-chilling” (Wonderland Magazine). The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’.
Taken from his upcoming LP, Dealey Pizza Blues, ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’ is eerie, haunting and hallucinatory from the first chord. While there is a strong synth-laden melody placing you in a whirlwind of kaleidoscopic sound; there is also a soft, soothing, gentle sense of comfort beneath. Provoking a sense of despair with the seemingly melancholic lyricism, Beckmann evokes sensations of vulnerability and fragility. Yet, in juxtaposition, there is a warm richness in a pleasant floating cloud of sound placing a permanent smile on your face.
While the mystical melody captures your body and soul entirely, Beckmann’s bold baritone is an anchor in the psychedelic haze. In a disembodied voice, there is a bewildering sentimentality oozing from Beckmann. The thing is, just as with the melody, the disembodied almost Bowie-esque voice holds you close in a charming embrace.
Complex, intricate, profound and mind-blowing, listening to Mortal Prophets’ ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’ is an acid trip without the acid.
For more from Mortal Prophets, check out his official website, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
