Review: Mortal Prophets “The Twang Gang”
credit: Mortal Prophets
The Twang Gang opens in an illusive, cosmic dream. Disoriented slightly, filled with different layers of sounds. Mortal Prophets evokes an intense yet innocent sense of complexity. Confronting, at the same time stirring. But this is just the beginning of the story. The album would then swirl you into an eye-opening, genre-bending trip. What Mortal Prophets brings is an auditory cinema with fantastic and epic storytelling.
Onto the second track, the soundscapes get muddy and sci-fi. Silhouette of blues and roots comes to you in a psychedelic dream, where all the impossible becomes possible. It’s hard to pinpoint where we are and what is happening at this point, but the music immerses you in an extraordinary moment and solidifies as it progresses.
Soon, there comes a moment of groove-driven clarity. Now, it’s clear where we are—this is the Wild West, on the road riding past twangy, leathery country rock. Mortal Prophets, whose voice has been absent before, now emerges as a commander. He gives command to the music, and immediately, there’ll be a shift in the music. The format is not unheard of, but having gone through a very illusive sound state, this interesting twist almost gives the music consciousness.
“Pagan Driving School” gets its boots dirty. The very saucy root and country rock groove get richer and clearer, reaching momentum. It seems to put the previous tracks in perspective. Looking back, retrospectively, what we have just experienced might have been a stardust falling from a distant sky onto this planet. It’s immersed in the present and the culture, finding a special belonging. Everything beautiful and lively is here. The track acts as a pivotal element that continues to inspire and define what has yet to come.
“Can You Feel It” gazes into the stars and future again. “Ride Em High” sees a space cowboy taking off and venturing back into the illusive, slightly muddy, dream-like outer space. Nostalgia replaces the initial disorientation. It almost has a taste of bittersweetness with its established sense of identity. Departure doesn’t mean leaving something behind.
“Alamo Aloha” and “Dog Face Joe” step into a new universe, each feels like an exploration and adventure of its own. Already onto the next chapter, “Psychotronic Guitar Lullaby” takes you somewhere tender and warm with floral scents and such. “The Bones Go Last” sees collages of country impressions ringing in your ears.
A-Zal On the Making Of “Movie Script”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Movie Script?"
My life and story were the initial sparks to the creation of “Movie Script”. When I embarked on creating my album, it was crystal clear that I needed to draw inspiration from my personal experiences and weave them into my songs. The journey from the initial spark to charting in US radio has been nothing less than a movie itself. I knew this song had some magic in it, and making it to Mediabase TOP40 Activator Charts in just 2 weeks of the release is something I never anticipated. I thought the only way to get into the USA charts was if you were signed to a major record label. To see my song charting and being played on the radio alongside my favorite artists such as Ed Sheehan, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo. The song started at #114 in its first week and later climbed to #92 in its second week. Now, things started to swing after it got into the top 100. In its third week, the song moved up by 31 positions to rank at #62. It has also been playing on the radio in the UK and Australia.
What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
My favorite moment was when I saw the green screen footage turn into an animated video which exactly translated my vision of the song into powerful visuals. We spent three months in the post-production of the video as it required a huge amount of animation. I loved the fact that Taylor Swift self-directs many of her music videos and I always wondered how she did it. But, after doing it myself, I strongly feel that a singer should self-direct their own music video.
How does"Movie Script" fit into your overall artistic vision?
"Movie Script" serves as a solid representation of both my musical identity and artistic vision. My aim is to uphold a unique sonic signature while also infusing a commercial and radio-friendly quality into all of my tracks.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
I migrated to the USA in 2018 to work in Hollywood and get my music to the West. The plan was to set foot before I released my independent music. I landed up working with Marvel Studios on two of their major television series, Loki and Ms. Marvel. This literally propelled my career and gave me recognition in the industry. I felt it was the right time to announce my album which I did just after the release of Ms. Marvel in 2022.
Can you share a memorable experience from a collaboration that enriched your music?
So far, one of my best collaborations has been working with Alicia Keys on the movie she produced - Resort to Love. This is a Netflix film and although I didn’t collaborate on music directly with her, but she produced the movie and I wrote a soundtrack for it. I have always been fascinated with Alicia’s vocal range and it was an absolute honor to work for her movie. Going forward, I would love to collaborate with two of my favorite artists, Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa.
Eva Westphal On the Making Of “Adult”
What was the creative process like for your new song "Adult?"
I first felt the spark that became a full-fledged chorus, and I wrote the verses all in the same night. It was one of the fastest songs I’ve written, and I wrote it alone – it felt really personal and healing.
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Adult?"
The initial park for “Adult” happened in February of this year, which is historically not the easiest month for me – it’s a time in the year when a lot of old memories and negative emotions come up associated with my past. I had a particularly reflective day, where the realization hit me that my younger self wasn’t strong enough to fight back against what was happening, but my adult self is. I found myself wishing I could go back to her and take care of her. So I wrote the song in less than an hour!
Have you noticed any particular interpretations or connections that listeners have made with this single?
I’ve had quite a few listeners reach out to say they’ve shared “Adult” with their therapist and discussed the lyrics, which feels like such an honor – the song has found a place in their healing.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
I find inspiration everywhere – from sunsets and living in New York, to friendships and mental health. I just love when an idea pops in my head and I know I need to make it into a song.
How do you balance crafting relatable stories with maintaining your unique voice as a songwriter?
I try to just remind myself that I’m not here to get famous, I’m here to help others through any means possible.
Josh Tepper On the Making Of “Guide Me Meron (Acapella)”
What was the creative process like for this particular "Guide Me Meron (Acapella)?"
It was so simple. I heard the raw vocals of the track and decided to publish an Acapella version. I think it captures the spirituality of Mount Meron.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Guide Me Meron (Acapella)?"
I felt so grounded and connected to the Universe.
What did you enjoy most about making "Guide Me Meron (Acapella)?"
The multiple spiritual awakenings I had.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I’m always evolving and try not to look back.
Do you have any memorable on-stage moments or performances that stand out to you?
Every performance is so special. I feel grateful every time I do it.
Chloé Sautereau On the Making Of “Ten Thousand Stories”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Ten Thousand Stories" and the story it tells?
Ten Thousand Stories was born out of this mixed sensation of excitement and feeling overwhelmed after spending my first month fully living in New York and starting college for music. Moving from Geneva to Switzerland, I suddenly felt like there were so many opportunities I wanted to say yes to, and a desire to be able to be everywhere at once. Ten Thousand Stories is about recognising all the things you'll reach for but understanding they’re not all going to be possible but that it’s worth daring to try. It’s an ode to accepting and cherishing the new and the stories that make us who we are.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "Ten Thousand Stories?”
I wish I remembered the details of it a little more specifically (3 years ago!) but I’ve always loved this song for the way it somewhat gives a double meaning to its title. It’s about all the stories you want to live and experience and the growth those provide you with, the exhilaration that comes from opportunity and a new city but also the physical and literal height of the buildings in New York and feeling intimidated by it all. “I’m flying, I’m ten thousand stories tall but I’m falling, cause I know I’ll never live them all.” I remember realizing that lyrically that could work out this way and that was really cool.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Ten Thousand Stories?”
This is the first song I fully engineered myself in terms of recording in the studio, so it’s really exciting to have it out!!
Laying down bass lines with my friend Emma Wellons was particularly fun because she got really playful with it and I think some of them really serve as important sonic sweeteners on the track and contribute to its depth instrumentally.
Can you walk us through your creative process when writing and composing music?
I’m usually figuring out a strumming or picking pattern and bouncing back and forth through some chords on the guitar until something sticks and words come. Or I’ll think of a line that feels like it could be the start of a verse pro chorus, so I’ll put it to music and go from there. Music and lyrics have a particular relationship with one another to me and they’re definitely interdependent, where one informs and inspires the other and so forth.
What are your future goals or aspirations as a musician?
I’m trying to song-write as much as I can; I love telling stories, and with that try my best to provide a space where people feel understood or at least can attempt to. I’m planning on keeping these releases as regular as possible, to further grow an audience, so keep an eye out :)
Currently still based in NYC and playing live here as much as I can!