ICNCLST/ EP by Mortal Prophets: Credit: Cover Art
More than just a band, Mortal Prophets is a sound experiment that digs deep into the human psyche, guided by the elusive constantly evolving John Beckmann. With its roots in the center of New York City, Mortal Prophets has carved out a space for themselves in the music industry that transcends traditional genre limits. Leading the band creatively, Beckmann is a visionary who has always pushed the boundaries of what pop, blues, and rock can do. As unique as the sounds he produces are his travels through the music industry.
The gritty, raw energy of blues, the rebellious attitude of punk rock, and the profound introspection of psychedelic music all had an impact on Beckmann during the early stages of his musical career, which started in New York’s underground art scenes. Throughout his formative years, he worked with other artists who shared his vision and experimented with various sounds in an unwavering quest of artistic expression. The Mortal Prophets are a band that aims to both push and draw listeners in different directions with its melodic grace. This eclectic combination of influences eventually came together to form the band. The 2023 publication of the debut album, “Dealey Plaza Blues,” was met with critical acclaim and revolutionized the blues-rock crossover for a contemporary listenership.
The album was a deep dive into the darker corners of the American experience, blending historical context with contemporary soundscapes. It was in this crucible of creativity that Beckmann honed his vision, setting the stage for the next chapter in the Mortal Prophets’ saga. As a collective, Mortal Prophets is a dynamic and fluid entity, often bringing in guest musicians to contribute to their projects. This strategy has enabled the group to keep their sound current and constantly changing, with each new album delivering something distinct yet distinctly “Mortal Prophets.” Their music is an investigation as much as a listening experience, taking the listener on a trip through the various elements of human emotion and social commentary.
“ICNCLST/”, the latest offering from Mortal Prophets, was released on August 20th, 2024, and it is a late-summer classic that resonates long after the season has passed. This seven-track EP, produced by the adept David Sisko and mastered by Mike Tucci, represents a seamless blend of psychedelic rock, pop, and subtle electronic influences. Each track is meticulously crafted, with session master Gerald Menke lending his unique guitar and steel string talents, creating a soundscape that is as intricate as it is captivating. Building on the success of “Dealey Plaza Blues”, “ICNCLST/” ventures into new sonic territories while retaining the deeply introspective and socially conscious themes that have become a hallmark of Mortal Prophets.
The EP is a testament to Beckmann’s relentless pursuit of artistic evolution—each song is a carefully constructed narrative, both musically and lyrically, that invites the listener to explore the depths of their own psyche. From the haunting echoes of “Flowers For You” to the hypnotic twists and turns of “Bang Bang,” and the genre-defying “So Real,” this EP is a journey through sound that challenges, engages, and ultimately satisfies. “ICNCLST/” is not just music; it’s an experience, a soundscape that invites repeated listening, each time revealing new layers of meaning and emotion.
ICNCLST/ EP Track List:
Flowers For You:
“Flowers For You,” the opening track from Mortal Prophets’ EP “ICNCLST/”, is a stunning example of how psychedelic rock can be both haunting and deeply mesmerizing. The song begins with a sustained, eerie sound that immediately sets a tone of mystery and anticipation. As the track unfolds, soft grunge-infused guitar strings emerge, accompanied by shaky percussion and echoing synths that create an almost ethereal atmosphere. The intricate layering of these elements invites the listener into a soundscape that feels both familiar and otherworldly, a dynamic rock world that is equal parts gritty and smooth. The entry of the lead vocalist, with his silky and pure tone, adds a layer of grace to the composition, his voice weaving seamlessly through the complex instrumental textures.
At around the 0:30 mark, the song takes on a new dimension as a groovy rhythmic flow of the drum beat joins in, complemented by thick bass movements that add weight and depth to the track. The song really gets its feet during this mid-tempo development, which strikes the ideal mix between the grunge-inspired brassiness and the gentle rock intensity. The harmony between the bass, drums, guitars, and synths is astounding, as each component adds to the piece’s overall coherence. As a result, listeners are treated to a rock experience that is both distinctly modern and profoundly steeped in history. The sound is steady yet dynamic.
What truly sets “Flowers For You” apart, however, is the vocal performance. The lead singer’s confident and steady voice creates a focal point amidst the whirling orchestral background. A layer of depth and passion are added to the tune by the eerie background voice melodies, which also give it an aura of grandeur that lasts long after the song has concluded. “Flowers For You” is more than just a song; it’s an auditory voyage that enthralls the listener from beginning to end. It’s a remarkable piece that perfectly captures the spirit of what Mortal Prophets do best, which is to create sonically rich and thought-provoking music.
Bang Bang:
“Bang Bang,” a standout track from Mortal Prophets’ “ICNCLST/” EP, is a masterclass in progressive rock that captivates with its dynamic flow and unpredictable orchestration. The song opens with sustained synth sounds that immediately set a tense and almost unsettling tone, only to be pierced by sharp, bright strings that signal the start of something new and intriguing. By the 0:08 mark, the track begins to evolve, introducing heavy bass lines, gentle drum touches, and haunting synths, all of which create a melodically eerie atmosphere. The entry of the lead singer’s voice, with its deep yet smooth quality, adds a layer of precision to the track, guiding the listener through the complex soundscape with a steady hand.
As the song progresses, “Bang Bang” continues to surprise and engage with its unpredictable shifts. At the 0:32 mark, the introduction of clapping-like percussion sounds, layered with drum beats, adds a transcendent rhythm that elevates the track to new heights. By 0:55, the song reaches a peak moment of intensity when the full groove of the drum beat takes center stage, perfectly complemented by deep bass progressions, synth melodies, and strings. A groove that is both melodically attractive and addictive is created by the infectious rhythm, which veers between downtempo and midtempo. The evolution of the song is what really makes it unique; every change in the arrangement adds a new level of nuance and intricacy.
“Bang Bang” is a one-of-a-kind piece of art because it skillfully combines many components to create a seamless whole. Richness and texture are added by the vocal melodies, ad-libs, and more sounds that accompany the primary singer as the song goes on, creating a more immersive listening experience with each play. The song will continue to have an impact long after the last note fades thanks to its surprising nature, catchy beat, and expert arrangement. “Bang Bang” is proof of Mortal Prophets’ ability to push progressive rock’s limits while still producing a catchy, interesting, and incredibly fascinating sound.
So Real:
“So Real” from Mortal Prophets’ “ICNCLST/” EP is an intriguing blend of rock and hip-hop that captivates with its innovative approach to sound. The track begins with a rhythmic consistency in its percussion, immediately creating a cultural and almost primal feel that sets the stage for what’s to come. This introduction, with its hypnotic beats, is soon joined by sustained synth sounds and subtle string-like melodies, crafting a soundscape that is both haunting and alluring. By the 0:15 mark, the song undergoes a significant transformation, as it introduces a melodic assembly of sweet piano lines, soft synths, and fluid bass movements. The introduction of a hip-hop-inspired drum beat adds a unique groove to the mix, making the track feel contemporary while maintaining its rock roots.
The midtempo rhythm is slightly upbeat, infusing the track with an infectious vibe that is hard to resist. The lead singer’s voice in “So Real” is a central element that ties the diverse musical components together. His vocals, delivered with a calm yet heavy tone, carry an echoing quality that adds depth and richness to the track. This voice brings a soft aura that contrasts beautifully with the song’s textured soundscape, making the overall experience feel both grounded and ethereal. As the track progresses, it continues to evolve, shifting between different musical landscapes. The transitions are seamless, moving from rhythmic flows to softer, more introspective sections dominated by haunting piano melodies, before returning to the original groove.
The listener is kept interested and involved throughout with each shift in the musical arrangement that adds levels of complexity and emotion. In the end, “So Real” is a genuine work of art that is notable for its capacity to combine several genres into a seamless and engrossing whole. The song stands out among the others on the “ICNCLST/” EP because of its unique fusion of hip-hop and rock and its superb attention to detail in the vocal delivery and instruments. With its changes in tone and texture, the song’s evolution provides a dynamic and incredibly fulfilling listening experience that lingers long after the last note fades.
The themes explored in “ICNCLST/” are universal, making the EP relatable to a wide audience. Due to the universality of these experiences, the exploration of love, conflict, and reality strikes a deeply emotional chord. The music itself represents the complexity of the human experience through its blending of genres and ever-evolving soundscapes, fostering an emotional and cerebral bond between the listener and the music. “ICNCLST/” is essential listening for everyone who like thought-provoking and expansive music. The EP has a sound that is both new and recognizable because to its fusion of hip-hop, rock, grunge, and psychedelic pop components. A broad audience can enjoy it.
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