The only thing certain about new music from John Beckmann’s Mortal Prophets is that what you’ll get is entirely uncertain. Each new release explores a different sonic avenue and his latest is no exception.
By Graeme Smith
French Summer is an album that’s full of dreamy, wistful soundscapes that combine twinkling electronica with a timeless warmth. Nostalgia is infused in every track and note yet, in true Mortal Prophets style, we also get something forward-thinking and boundary-pushing.
Bling is suitably bright and brassy with bass notes that hit pleasantly under its jazzy overtones. Sun Seekers is a vibrant highlight, complete with snatches of husky, sultry French-language vocals (courtesy of Anais de Nerval.) Swept Away injects some exotic percussion into proceedings. It’s Dope is moody and haunting. Mushrooms is a trip, setting up a period of rousing ambience that eventually explodes into life in the groovy Sommeil. There’s such a variation on display across the album’s eighteen tracks.
Things end up with some smoky drum and bass through Monstre Doux and Hand In My Pants, before the album’s journey is brought to a close by the quirky Cinematic Romp – Outro.
“The best way to understand this album,” Beckmann says, “is to imagine driving from Nice up the winding roads to Monaco-passing through perfumed air, stunned by the sea-swept vistas-doing 80 miles an hour in a luxurious convertible.”
Beckmann is a master of engaging soundscapes and French Summer might be the most comprehensive proof of that yet. The album is out now and you can give it a listen below.