While 2025 might be just around the corner, The Mortal Prophets are rolling the clock back to 1969, a time when then the air was thick with incense, and somewhere in the hazy hills of Laurel Canyon, the last great rock ‘n’ roll sound was being born. That’s the vibe John Beckmann, the mastermind behind The Mortal Prophets, conjures on the band’s latest release, 'Laurel Canyon: The Lost Sessions'. This isn't some dusty relic unearthed from a forgotten vault, though. It's a brand new album, meticulously crafted to sound like it was beamed in straight from the golden age of psychedelia.
Beckmann and his crew embarked on a sonic pilgrimage, holing up in Laurel Canyon, a place steeped in rock and roll history. They immersed themselves in the vibes, channelling the spirits of rock gods past, and emerged with ten tracks of mind-bending instrumental psychedelia. Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound studios, the album captures a raw, authentic sound, achieved using only vintage instruments. Think Moog synthesisers that swirl and pulse, wah-wah pedals that cry out, and fuzz-drenched guitars that roar.
Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound Studios, where icons like The Doors and Neil Young once roamed, the album is a testament to the raw power of vintage instruments. Forget digital trickery and modern studio magic; Beckmann and his crew embraced the tools of the trade from the '60s – Moog synthesisers, wah-wah pedals, fuzz pedals, and amps that could power a rocket launch. The result is a sound so authentic it feels like you've stumbled into a time warp.
'Laurel Canyon: The Lost Sessions' is a sonic trip through the heart of the counterculture. Each track unfolds like a chapter in a psychedelic odyssey, from the hypnotic opener 'Tune In' to the frenetic closer 'Surf Lodge Psycho'. 'Orange Sunshine' wraps swirling keyboards around a laid-back groove, while 'Sunset Strip' pulsates with the frenetic energy of LA's most iconic street. 'Astral Rays' is a mind-bending exploration of layered textures, and 'Stardust Soul' adds a touch of bluesy grit to the cosmic mix.
This isn't just a nostalgic rehash, though. Beckmann and The Mortal Prophets have created something truly original – a vision of a music that could have existed but never did. It's a tribute to the past, a reinvention of a genre, and a testament to the enduring power of psychedelic music.
So, if you're ready to take a trip back in time, fire up 'Laurel Canyon: The Lost Sessions' and let The Mortal Prophets be your guide. Just be sure to buckle up, because this is one wild ride.
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