John Beckmann of The Mortal Prophets has a knack for taking classic blues songs and giving them a modern twist. His latest single, “Down on Me,” is a prime example of this. The song is a cover of a traditional freedom song that was first recorded in the 1920s. Beckmann and his band have transformed it into a sleek, gothic electro-blues song that sounds like it could have been released in the mid-1980s.
The song opens with a buzzing synth line that creates an eerie and intriguing atmosphere. The thumping kick drum enters, accompanied by fluttering tones, setting the stage for what’s to come. Beckmann’s vocals hover above the dark electronica soundscape, delivering the rousing lyrics with power and conviction. The relentless punch of the kick and snare provides a marching rhythm, while gritty guitar tones add an extra edge to the arrangement.
The result is a riveting anthem for the modern day. The track captures the raw essence of the original while injecting it with Mortal Prophets’ distinct sound. If you’re a fan of blues, electronica, or anything in between, then you need to check out “Down on Me.”
Listen to Down on Me below
Follow Mortal Prophets On