Muse Chronicle

The Mortal Prophets are an American band that has, from the beginning, disregarded conventional musical wisdom by refusing to label its music as belonging to any certain genre or style.

“Space cowboys on a thrilling trip via ambient country music and psychotronic effects, is the album The Twang Gang”

The album is mostly inspired by mountain music from the Americas, with some pre-war blues and German electronica for flavour. That’s a lot of different tones, rhythms, and tempos to cope with separately, let alone try to blend into one coherent whole. “Waltz Across New Jersey”, a quiet and reflective piece, introduces the piece. The combination of classic country and cutting-edge electronica is instantly appealing. The dreamy quality of “Mesmerised Stargazers” is spot on. The guitars are drenched in reverb and echoing twangs. It’s a nation, sure, but not the one we know. The main track “The Twang Gang” then continues on, going back to the basics of country music. For the first time, the song has captivating voices that give it a bluesy, earthy vibe. It’s one of the best parts. The tempo of “Pagan Driving School  (Square Dance)” is kept at a cantering speed while taking on a little trippy vibe. “Can you feel it” is an acoustic arrangement gradually gives way to electronic music, bringing the tempo back down. This ambient, mystical spin on cowboy cliches is called “Ride Em High.” It’s a definite plus. Lo-fi and atmospheric, “Alamo Aloha” looks to the future. “Bones Go Last” is a dark and ominous blues interlude with a subversive edge. This “Psychotronic Guitar Lullaby” is soothing and relaxing

 John Beckmann, Parker Bryant, Concertina, Beckett Laurent and Jonas W. Karlsson make up the Twang Gang. It’s fearless and open to trying new things. Below is the complete album embedded.