Downtown Mystic is the musician for all seasons. This is old school American rock n roll, as good as it gets. Not stuck in the traditions of old school, but the vintage vignette is seen all around. Robert Allen realised that the foundation of classic rock is what has paved the way for the contemporary. He tips his hat to the evolution, and revolution. This is his latest EP, Mystic Highway.
If you’re going on a road trip, I suggest you press play on this collection. Or, press play and get on with that road trip. Downtown Mystic brings that riff movement and rhythm section that will get you nodding from the get-go. You can definitely hear all the legends who have inspired Downtown Mystic-while the remaster puts a quality spin on the recording. You are yanked back to the 70s and 80s in contemporary fashion, while the band playing will show you the highway changing colours all the way from black and white to 8k. That’s what a great musician knows how to bring about in a few minutes.
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A scenic drive without exits!
Modern Ways is a quicker Chuck Berry styled riff that opens the song and tempo like the one you want to call your lover on the dance floor to. There’s no way your steering wheel is going to feel the tap of the speed-just make sure you’re driving in the speed limit, freak. Downtown Mystic is able to give that live music feel while having the depth of a great recording session. Almost reminds me of a Sound City setting, something about all the legends who have recorded and inspired Robert.
Leon Zervos has definitely understood what Downtown Mystic carries in spirit. The music has a lot more jump to it, the punch in the percussions and vocals stand out very well. Armed with his Strat, he’s able to blend a sound that cuts through all the AI noise you hear now to be that genuine “human blood, sweat and tears collection”. I personally loved the punch and jump of Lost and Found as well. If you’re a fan of concept albums, you know how well they have structured the album to become that perfect companion if you’re in the mood. If you aren’t, the songs do have the soul to swing you right in.
Why this EP rocks
One of the epic changes comes in Some Day. It sounds like a well-balanced Tom Petty track, especially post Wildflowers. Robert Allen showcases how his dynamism is able to bring all that has inspired him in all this music. From 2011s Standing Still, this musician has been able to maintain a certain pedigree in his music-while always retaining what brought him to make music. You chose a special journey, and you’ll be glad you drove down Mystic Highway:
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Self professed metalhead, moderately well read. If the music has soul, it's whole to me. The fact that my bio could have ended on a rhyme and doesn't should tell you a lot about my personality.
