7/10

Throughout what has already been an incredibly adventurous time for him in recent months, New York artist John Beckmann's Mortal Prophets project has established itself as one of the more visionary doing the rounds. Exploring this broad and diverse array of influences that have spanned the last few decades, his tenure has been this wildly explorative one that always seeks to deliver something new and distinctive. And after yet more praise and acclaim for his recent work, he is back once again to unveil his latest LP 'ICNCLST/', a record that ventures towards a more post-punk-inspired direction.

While the art-rock arena has always been a mainstay within his aesthetic recently, 'ICNCLST/' sees it sit front and centre of his sound, creating this brilliantly absorbing listen throughout. Heading down a far darker and more brooding atmosphere than many of his recent offerings, his newest collection delivers some of his more ambitious ideas yet, brimming with this immersive texture throughout. Moving away from concept release in pursuit of something more succinct, he is returning to the fold with some of his most engaging efforts to date here.

It has certainly been an extremely prolific time for him, but 'ICNCLST/' still manages to leave a lasting impression on his ever-evolving repertoire to date. Moving with this subtle elegance between each of its seven-tracks, Mortal Prophets continues to set the standard for today's New York scene.