Mortal Prophets Not Here Not There Review

John Beckmann of Mortal Prophets never fails to evoke emotion and transport listeners into unique sonic dimensions. The album begins with the dreamlike track “Was It Your Voice.” This song offers a journey into another realm, featuring sounds that envelop and hypnotize simultaneously. The ethereal quality of this piece brings you into an oneiric realm and prepares you for the rest of the journey like Dante in the Divine Comedy.

Following this enchanting introduction is “Where Love Goes to Die.” This track hangs delicately between earth and air, capturing a sense of suspension with its expansive, resonant sounds. It breathes life into the listener’s experience, creating an atmosphere that feels vast and intimate. The production here is meticulous, allowing each reverberation to resonate.

Next comes “Love is Found,” which takes a darker turn. The song features a voice that speaks with a near-whisper, laden with strong emotions. It explores themes of love through its haunting lyrics, leaving an indelible mark on the listener. This track’s mood contrasts sharply with its predecessors, showcasing the band’s diversity and depth.

Not Here Not There – Sound and Atmosphere

“Life Is A Mirror” presents a delicate and subtle melody. Its melodic line evokes memories of R.E.M while embracing minimalism and a refined touch. This subtlety imparts an air of introspection, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences. The juxtaposition of clarity and restraint plays a pivotal role in its emotional impact. Listening to this song, I felt like Narcissus gazing at his own reflection in the river, like in the painting by Caravaggio.

Then comes Not Here Not There, the track that gives the album its title. It carries something tribal and ancestral, with rhythms that echo the vast plains of Mongolia and the wind rushing against you. That same wind seems to carry Beckmann’s voice—distant, almost elusive, yet deeply meaningful at the same time. It’s a kaleidoscopic song that takes you on a truly mesmerizing trip.

The album then transitions to “Real Person Too.” This track introduces a cheekier rhythm that feels alternative and intense. The slightly repetitive melody, accompanied by a tremulous quality, resembles a candle’s flicker swaying in the breeze. This composition stands out for its ability to juxtapose energy and introspection, inviting engagement while maintaining an air of mystery.

“Lucifer Effect” emerges as another visionary piece. It employs an effect reminiscent of helicopter blades, which intermittently appears throughout the song. The voices pan from left to right, creating an enveloping sound environment. This spatial dimension adds depth, allowing listeners to experience the music physically and emotionally.

The album concludes with “Small Victories,” another remarkable track. This piece features the addition of a female voice, enhancing its emotional complexity. The collaboration creates an interesting effect that deepens the dreamy atmosphere established earlier in the album. This closing song leaves listeners with a sense of fulfillment and reflection, rounding out the diverse auditory experience.

Not Here Not There – Performance and Production

“Not Here Not There” is an important and visionary album. It showcases John Beckmann’s ability to push the boundaries of musicality. Each track offers a distinct expression, exploring themes of love, existence, and the human condition.

Mortal Prophets successfully creates a collection that resonates on multiple levels. Their ability to blend dreamlike qualities with darker themes offers a well-rounded exploration of emotions. The album as a whole encourages listeners to journey through its sound and meaning. It is a work that I highly recommend to those seeking something profound and innovative in music.

Ethereal