Okay, we weren’t expecting this from Mortal Prophets. Although if there’s one thing we have learnt about John Beckmann, it is that you will never know which musical formula he’ll land on next. He was busy navigating electronic soundscapes and ambient tones just a couple of months ago. Now, he’s hungry for new inspirations and material, a research that takes him into vintage disco and leftfield sound design. ‘Supersonic’ is exactly that, a meaningful and impassioned tribute to the likes of Giorgio Moroder, delving deep into late 70s/early 80s euphoria.
Let us set the scene: dazzling arpeggiators, noisy drum machines and artificial, orchestral-like strings, all drenched in witty synth prowess and clever production techniques. Modernity is certainly not forgotten by Beckmann, who adds atmospheric vocal samples and intricate beats for a touch of contemporary IDM. Overall, as it’s customary with any Mortal Prophets record, ‘Supersonic’ doesn’t follow a precise formula, instead taking a highly personal and eclectic approach to the reference sources.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the album, John explains: “Moroder was a magician of the machine age. We wanted to channel that hypnotic pulse, but twist it—bend it through our filter of abstraction, emotion, and controlled chaos.” The goal has been reached, we’d say, and the limits shattered once again. What will be next for the American polymath?
Recommended! Discover ‘Supersonic’ on Spotify:
