An atmospheric and narrative-rich array of bluesy rock mystique consumes on the Sleeping In My Bed EP, the latest from Mortal Prophets, the NYC-based project of John Beckmann. Already impressing this year with the GUITARWORKS album, Mortal Prophets continues to captivate on this EP, described as “a reimagining of Tin Pan Alley after years of neglect and abuse.”
The opening “Bury Them Deep” exudes a melancholic, contemplative retrospection initially. “You better bury them deep,” a haunting dual-vocal resonance aligns within quaint piano and guitars. The bluesy procession of vocal fervency stirs past the two-minute mark, with the “pockets with gold,” debonair touches sending further chills. “Bury Them Deep” invigorates with its climactic build from darkening folk-set intrigue into a rousing rock thriller.
The EP’s title track is another standout, maintaining a suave vocal immersion throughout in its various layers — from the subdued guitar accompaniments to second-half saxophone adornments, sounding like a nocturnal New Orleans-set processional. “Tom Waits In Drag” captures a similar Bourbon Street setting, telling the tale of a dark and humid night that would likely delight the effort’s namesake influence. The Sleeping In My Bed EP is a captivating EP full of mood and narrative, cinematic prowess — marking another firm success from Mortal Prophets.
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“Tom Waits In Drag” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
