DownTown Mystic, the long-running rock ‘n’ roll project of American songwriter Robert Allen, engages thoroughly with Mystic Highway, an EP steeped in his “vintage yet modern” ethos. Backed by an elite cast of players and a passion for old-school recording, the collection channels classic American rock traditions with renewed, contemporary punch. The release also features noted players in drummer Steve Holley (Paul McCartney/Wings/Elton John/Ian Hunter) and bassist Paul Page (Dion/Ian Hunter).
The Leon Zervos remaster of “History” commences the EP, rousing right away with an array of chugging guitars, rollicking keys, and steady rhythms. Timeless-feeling in its no-frills rock ‘n’ roll charm, the lyrics aptly reference 1955 within the throwback allure — capturing how, even when the world is stuck in perpetual tumult, the power of rock continues to persist. The Sound Spa mix of “Modern Ways” ensues, where twangy guitars and vocal yearning to “find a way” meld with contagious spirit; a mid-point guitar solo proves especially scorching.
Another highlight comes via radio single “Lost and Found,” which builds climactically from ardent guitars and steady percussion into a “feel it in the air” wide-embracing vocal suaveness. “When the lows are high, and the highs are low, and you don’t know why there’s nowhere to go,” they move with vigor, then shifting into jangling guitar enjoyment as suggestions of an optimistic turn-around emerge in the lyrics. Mystic Highway invigorates as a good-hearted rock ‘n’ roll success throughout all six of its tracks.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
