The poignant and prolific John Beckmann’s Mortal Prophets are back on our pages once again thanks to their latest EP, The American Junkie Show.

By Graeme Smith

Mortal Prophet’s new EP is John’s reflections on modern American society, one that is quickly being shaped by conflict and disillusionment. From the outside, the US is often seen as a country to aspire to be like, and many nations, including our own, seem to subscribe to their blueprint. Yet, on the inside, many of their citizens see the reality of The American Dream.

John has a way of telling it like it is like no other, deploying his unique voice on an array of topics that range from the esoteric to the mainstream. He and his Mortal Prophets’ new EP feels like their most important work to date, saying a hell of a lot over its three tracks.

At its heart is its seven minute title track. The American Junkie Show is a psychedelic odyssey that opens ponderously before John’s expressive vocals come in to deliver poetic lyrics that speak of a Capitalist underbelly. It subverts all the hallmarks of American patriotism during a simmering, percussive verse before gathering to a distorted, discombobulating climax. It’s a track that goes through phases, strung together by its cynicism.

Accompanying it are American Junkie and An American Scene. The former expands the thematic meditation during an edgy, briefer arrangement before the latter closes the EP with a final refrain.

Whatever John and Mortal Prophets shine their light on, they elevate it. During a tumultuous, important time in American history, their new EP is very timely. Hopefully, it will cause a few to pause for thought.

The American Junkie Show was produced by David Sisko and features guitars from Gerald Menke. It was recorded at MinMax Studio, New York City, and mastered by Tom Rogers. It’s out now and you can give it a listen below.