Rock/Review DownTown Mystic - Mystic Highway

DownTown Mystic is the alter ego of American rocker Robert Allen, whose passion for “old school” recording borders on obsession. Robert is joined by a stellar cast of musicians, including drummer extraordinaire Steve Holley (Paul McCartney/Wings/Elton John/Ian Hunter) & Paul Page (Dion/Ian Hunter) on bass, as well as one of the great rhythm sections in the history of American rock and roll—Max Weinberg & Garry Tallent of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

With “Mystic Highway,” DownTown Mystic continues to champion a timeless approach to rock’n’roll—one built on craftsmanship, musicianship, and a deep reverence for the genre’s roots. The six-track EP, which includes the bonus single “Somebody’s Always Doin’ Something 2 Somebody,” feels like a curated road trip through American rock history, driven by groove, grit, and unmistakable heart.

The record benefits enormously from the powerhouse rhythm section of drummer Steve Holley and bassist Paul Page, whose locked-in chemistry anchors five of the six tracks. Their foundation frees the guitars to take center stage—something DownTown Mystic has always embraced as part of its identity. Lance Doss injects Southern fire into “History” and “Modern Ways,” while Bruce Engler brings both songwriting and vocal depth to the mystically tinged “Read The Signs,” a standout that blends raga-like textures with classic rock swagger. Justin “JJ” Jordan rounds out the trio of guitar aces, offering delicate melodic lines and expressive mandolin work on the EP’s most cinematic moment, “Some Day.”

Keyboard luminary Jeff Levine elevates the bonus single with Moog, piano, and organ flourishes that push the song into classic roots-rock territory, complementing Robert Allen’s production vision. Allen’s philosophy—surround yourself with musicians so good they make you the worst player in the room—rings true here. “Mystic Highway” thrives precisely because of the calibre and chemistry of its collaborators.

Warm, authentic, and proudly analog in spirit, “Mystic Highway” is a reminder that rock’n’roll still has miles left to travel—and DownTown Mystic remains firmly in the driver’s seat.