DownTown Mystic is back on the scene with "Mystic Highway," a 6-track, 22-minute road trip designed for those who still believe rock 'n' roll is best when it's played loud and tight by human players rather than mindless machines. This EP, plus the standout bonus track "Somebody's Always Doin' Something To Somebody," is a reminder once again that this band is in it for the long haul, delivering unfussily crafted, personality-driven, and gritty 21st-century rock.
Ace six-stringers Lance Doss, Bruce Engler, and Justin "JJ" Jordan pilot the EP with a blend of southern edge, classic swagger, and raw rock power. Strip back the production with Lance Doss, and all of a sudden, both "History" and "Modern Ways" have that southern signature to them, becoming a roots-rock revival for right now.
Bruce Engler not only co-writes but also provides the vocals on "Read The Signs," which is like a rock-and-roll raga with that mystical thread running through every note. Drummer Steve Holley and bassist Paul Page play on five of the six songs, offering "Mystic Highway" a tight, punchy backbone that gives each groove purpose.
Their chemistry is apparent, but it particularly shines on "Lost and Found," one of the EP's most emotionally fraught and musically fleshed-out moments. And the bonus track, "Somebody's Always Doin' Something To Somebody," featuring keyboard superstar Jeff Levine with a Moog, piano, and organ lines, bursts with tasteful soul, the right mood for a song that pairs classic rock sounds with contemporary urgency.
With standout cuts like "Lost and Found" and "Modern Ways," DownTown Mystic delivers an EP that is timeless yet refreshingly alive. Regardless of whether you yearn for a taste of old-school rock memories or just real musicians, Mystic Highway is your reminder that classic rock 'n' roll is still alive and well. It's aggressive, it's melodic, and it's written by artists for whom the genre is a sacred trust.
Connect with DownTown Mystic: Instagram
