R2 Magazine UK

DownTown Mystic - Standing Still (AGR Television Records)

Sometimes there’s nothing that hits the reviewer sweet spot better than well-crafted, frill-free country-rock’n’roll. For such fixes into the foreseeable future, I will henceforth look no further than the fourteen scintillating examples of the craft offered by Robert Allen and his cast, including contributions from the E Street axis of rhythm, Garry Tallent and Max Weinberg.

“Backdoor”, perversely, opens the onslaught and is one of those false braggadocio Stagedoor Jenny songs, far more honest and self-effacingly humorous than the macho posturing of Rainbow’s “All Night Long” or the prurient excesses of ACDC.

“Hard Enough” repeats the edgy rockiness of “Backdoor” and its spiraling guitar riff would have, in days gone by, fulfilled all milkman-whistling criteria with ease. “Modern Ways”, meanwhile, shows what can happen when a Chuck Berry Chess-era boxed set is left lying around in the studio.

Sensitive balladry is not missing however, and the gorgeous melody and pleading delivery of the title track is a mid-album summit of the gritty hot-stepping way to closing track, “Shade of White Bluegrass”, a beauteous melody that encapsulates the entire feel and emotion of a fine disc.

David Innes / R2 Magazine UK /January-February 2012

Rock Times.de/December 10, 2011

CD Cover: DownTown Mystic - Standing Still

"Standing Still" - now, that's already a statement. What sounds similar to "maintain tradition" as the "true oldies" or after. Retro? Yes. Vintage? In any case. Boring old men's rock? Absolutely not!

DownTown Mystic stands behind singer, guitarist, pianist and songwriter Robert Allen. It is, strictly speaking, more of a solo project than a band. It does not matter. In drummer Steve Holley, bassist Paul Page, guitarist Lance Doss and guitarist and vocalist Bruce Engler, Robert Allen has found skilled and passionate allies. Together they always exude a credible band feel.

"Standing Still" is the third album from DownTown Mystic and a fully successful one: partly rough, strong in the good, settled old rock 'n' roll and rhythm & blues, including an excellent singer and perfect instrumentation. An album with a high level of songs is illustrated by the guest appearances by drummer Max Weinberg and bassist Garry Tallent. Two gentlemen who normally play in "The Boss" Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band.

Sure, Robert Allen is not comparable to Springsteen. One is an Insider Secret, the other for decades a megastar. One fills the world's largest arenas, the other one is sweating from small clubs. But-and this all connects with "The Boss", both have Rock 'n' roll in its purest and most rebellious form in their blood. Uncompromising pull through both their thing. This has probably convinced the two E Street musicians...

But perhaps the two star-drenched virtuosos were taken in by the absolutely compelling songwriting of Springsteen's Mini. Tracks such as "Hard Enough", "Backdoor", "Losing My Mind (Too Many Times)" or "Rise And Fall" would make good, for example, without exception on any old Stones disc. On albums like "Exile On Main Street" or "It's Only Rock 'n' Roll" - as the cutting guitar riffs, the hard irresistible beat and when the lyrics were all about a very specific attitude of life.

In the same veins also beat "History", although the song sounds suspiciously like Bob Seger. The fact that Allen with his men, do not deny their Roots, becomes clear in the calculated "Modern Ways" titled track after a typical Chuck Berry guitar intro, the DownTown Mystic ensemble makes a heavy AC / DC groove.

In between Allen & Co. sprinkle, a quiet acoustic one so the listener is not so overwhelmed, exceptionally well-sounding folk and country songs. "Believe" is an acoustic treat, "Rise & Fall" is another. As with The Stones, Allen also ventures to Caribbean rhythms: in "Rise And Fall # 2" a rhythm guitar strumming a hearty Ska Drive. A welcome change in the normally straight-off-beat pattern.

Conclusion: The third album from eternal Insider Secret-a big hit, with 14 exceptionally strong tracks. The only drawback: the failed cover artwork in 80s style.

4.5/5 Stars

Gunther Matejka / Country Music News Germany / November 17, 2011

Hooked on Music Germany

DownTown Mystic - "Standing Still"

As unspectacular as one can come to his band's name. Came on a trip to Boston, Robert Allen, who has already has some merits in the country and roots-rock world and was looking for a band name for a new music project, was passing by a sign "Next Stop Downtown Mystic" and so had his brilliant idea.

DOWNTOWN MYSTIC are now with their third album of good old country and rock and roll tradition and breathe contemporary life into her at the same time. Backdoor opens strong ever befitting the guitars, increases with the lap steel and drummer Steve Holley, who was already earning his keep with WINGS, ELTON JOHN or IAN HUNTER, pushes the song purposefully.

Is almost a certain Godfather to Johnny B. Goode, when straightforward Modern Ways is intoned and runs rings around the Rock'n'Roll Highway when Paul Page (Ian Hunter), plucks the crisp bass and the fevered guitar taunts almost anything reggaesque, the joy of the band's playing convincingly comes over. And when Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent alone from their Boss briefly, not a dry eye, while the band rocks with Hard Enough gleefully over the ramp.

It is also semi-acoustic, at times Sometimes Wrong to Clapton-esque vibe with subtle Lay Down Sally, the Shade of White shuffle through the song, and then History reminds charmingly of LITTLE RICHARD with straighter tough-sounding guitar and enthusiastically played piano. And finally, you can even sound radio compatible without appearing too flat, DOWNTOWN MYSTIC place with Rise and Fall still prove at the end skiffling with Shade of White Blue Grass a consistently varied and relaxed rocking album.

Michael Masuch/Hooked On Music/November 23, 2011

Wasser-Prawda Magazine Germany

Downtown Mystic - Standing Still (Agr Television Records/(Sony)

Classic sounding American rock music, this is the Hallmark of the band DownTown Mystic. The Project by songwriter Robert Allen combines their third album, "Standing Still" with musicians from the E-Street Band and Wings. Robert Allen says he got the name when seeing a sign on a highway, "next stop Downtown Mystic". And that is exactly the name for his type of music: earthy Rock songs with a very mysterious Charisma.

If you listen to "Standing Still", then you can understand this perfectly. Rock music directly between rock & roll, country rock and a little folk. And of course, reminiscent of the influential bands of the 60s and 70s. (Any Names can be used - most will prove to be a hit.) Those who want relevant based music now ask, is DownTown Mystic another backward-looking retro band because here is not fashionable and indie-artsy yet jaded pop culture gimmick. No: "Standing Still" has become a classic rock album with songs that are cliché-free and enjoyable reflecting everyday life. An album for fans of Springsteen, Mellencamp, or people who still have a nostalgic grin on their face when the name is CCR.

Nathan Nörgel/Wasser-Prawda/November 22,2011

Northern Sky Music Magazine UK

DownTown Mystic - Standing Still (AGR Television Records)

The opening few bars of Modern Ways from this third album release by Sha-La Music president Robert Allen, otherwise known as DownTown Mystic, points in the general direction of Chuck Berry as a fitting starting point for this collection of rockers on STANDING STILL. With an immediately hard rocking opener Backdoor, co-written with GT Sullivan, the album maintains a close attachment to the ethos of vintage guitars, juke box dance tunes and good old 1950s rock n roll throughout.

Allen returns to the giants of Rock n Roll for inspiration for this latest release, which joins a steadily growing body of work that also includes the earlier ROCK N ROLL 4 THE SOUL (2006) and READ THE SIGNS (2007). Borrowing his rhythm section of Garry Tallent and Max Weinberg from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band on Hard Enough, Allen also appears to be rubbing the right shoulders in the right places. For the most part though, the band consists of Paul Page (Dion/Ian Hunter) on bass and Steve Holley (Paul McCartney/Elton John/Ian Hunter) on drums, an equally inspiring rhythm section, with further contributions from Lance Doss on guitar, mandolin and banjo and Bruce Engler on guitars and vocals.

With just the one solo acoustic numbers A New Friend and a closing homage to bluegrass with Shade of White Bluegrass, STANDING STILL remains a pretty solid rock n roll album, which curiously has the track listing appearing as two sides, presumably reflecting the vinyl version.

Allan Wilkinson/Northern Sky/November 13, 2011

DownTown Mystic - "Standing Still"

DOWNTOWN MYSTIC

The American Robert Allen is the founder of DOWNTOWN MYSTIC, and on his third titled album, Standing Still, will skip around all musical boundaries which he can lay his hands on: from classic rock to rhythm & blues, folk and bluegrass to roots, country and rock 'n' roll. A mix that is really nice to hear. No frickeling rather clear song structures, and with the support of renowned top musicians everything is evenly screwed together. He has kept the overview, leaving the song at the center and around it a smooth sound tailored garment

TITEL:	Still Standing
LABEL:	AGR TELEVISION RECORDS (SONY MUSIC)
PRODUZENT:	Robert Allen, Ben Elliott
TRACKS:	Backdoor * Believe * Hard Enough * Standing Still * Modern Ways * Better Day * Rise And Fall #2 * Sometimes Wrong * Shade Of White * Losing My Mind (Too Many Times) * History * New Friend * Rise And Fall * Shade Of White Bluegrass
AIRPLAY:	Shade Of White Bluegrass
WEB:	*www.shala.com* *www.agr-music.com* *www.sonymusic.de*

Country Jukebox/Germany/November 22, 2011

NeuFutur Magazine Music Review

DownTown Mystic – Standing Still (CD)

Fresh off their 2007 effort, “Read The Signs”, DownTown Mystic have just cut their latest album, “Standing Still”. “Standing Still” represents an evolutionary step forward for the act, while still maintaining cohesion amongst the disc’s thirteen cuts. “Backdoor” starts out with a bit of blues-tinged rock that allows Robert’s vocals to approach the timbre and quality of a Warren Zevon or Jimmy Buffett. Despite having a sound that would easily work on classic rock stations, there is a vibrancy and technical brilliance to the track that will appease even those musicphiles.

“Believe” has a much slower lead-in than the up-front and in your face “Backdoor”, but the track keeps a bubbling exuberance barely kept in check. The track seems to rest on a different set of influences than the disc’s opening, with hints of Tom Petty or John Fogerty present. “Standing Still”, the disc’s titular track, tips the scales at 4:38. Where there seems to be a blending of the styles broached during both “Backdoor” and “Believe”, the most interesting aspect of the track has to be the challenging time signature present. One needs to listen to the quiet spaces on the track to fully understand what DownTown Mystic is attempting to do. Beyond that, the stair-step vocals that lead to the sizzling, affecting guitar solo turn “Standing Still” into the disc’s best track.

“Too Many Times” speeds things back up, while shifting the set of DownTown Mystic’s influences to reflect their love of sixties and seventies rock, be it CCR or the Moody Blues. There is a certain timelessness present on each of the album tracks on “Standing Still”, and nowhere is this better seen during “Shade of White Bluegrass”. The disc’s ultimate track, “Shade of White Bluegrass” has a sound that one may expect – a countrified, bluegrassy version of the rock that has been presented fans through the entirety of “Standing Still”. Cutting things short at the two and a half minute mark, DownTown Mystic put an emphatic exclamation point on what is a cogent and always strong album. There is a fullness present to the album that imbues the same warmth that seeing the act in a packed coffee house or bar would; each of the members here brings something that is then converted into something bigger and better.

Top Tracks: Standing Still, Shade of White Bluegrass

Rating: 8.3/10

DownTown Mystic – Standing Still / 2010 Sha-La Music, Inc. / 13 Tracks /

...Posted by James on May 18th, 2010/NeuFutur Magazine

DownTown Mystic Presents “Modern Ways”

December 8, 2010

The sound of DownTown Mystic is “vintage yet modern”. What began as a solo project, morphed into a group, combining forces with a stellar cast of musicians (including band members of Bruce Springsteen & Paul McCartney) and produced 3 cds…

DownTown Mystic’s new cd, “Standing Still” is the 3rd release from the enigmatic artist, Robert Allen. Blending story telling songs with vintage guitars and analog recording, into a unique style that owes nods to Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, Poco, The Beatles & Stones, DownTown Mystic’s music is rooted in all the great traditions of American Rock’n’Roll.

On playing roots/rock’n’roll, Robert says, “there’s a good deal of Country in the roots of Rock’n’Roll. Going back to Elvis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, the Everly Bros. and even the Skiffle craze in Britain that had a big influence on The Beatles, Country was in the ‘feel’ that was a big part of that music”.

And it’s a big part of what makes “Standing Still” DownTown Mystic’s most fully realized album to date, landing on both the Euro/Americana Top 25 and AMA Chart in the US. It’s the record that Robert has wanted to make for years, completing a cycle that started with DownTown Mystic‘s previous cds, “Rock’n’Roll 4 The Soul” & “Read The Signs”.

For More Info On DownTown Mystic:

www.myspace.com/downtownmystic

Sunday January 9, 2011/Noizz Webzine Review/Spain

DOWNTOWN MYSTIC - Standing Still

8 / 10
We go with a rock album that comes directly from the United States that makes its roots and classical taste clear without giving away a fresh sound that both had worked for several decades and now in our days. I'm talking about the new album, the third of his career, this project called DOWNTOWN MYSTIC which lies behind the enigmatic artist Robert Allen accompanied by top musicians whose résumé you can read that are or have been members of Bruce Springsteen or Paul McCartney bands. With these credentials, anyone can predict this is going to sound pretty good and it is a work of quality classic rock, of course with 100% American flavor.

In the biography of DOWNTOWN MYSTIC you can read that originally it was a solo project, which over time has become a band that combines the qualities of both its founder Robert Allen as well as the talented musicians that he has been surrounded with. The record before us, entitled "Standing Still" is the band's new album and it seems that time has stopped, sounding timeless, so classic and current, as this type of roots rock is not any passing fashion but on the contrary, is music with a well-established foundation. It is important to note the Americana as the disc could be labeled would be the American Rock n 'Roll, heavily influenced by the Country Music of that country.

But beyond labels or biographies in "Standing Still" we have a really good work if you like this kind of Rock, being very well-crafted instrumental, vocal and production, with an analog aura that makes the result most authentic. And in general the thirteen songs on the album leave a good feeling, but in my opinion the most rockers and movidito are those with more hook, just listen to cuts like "Too Many Times", "History" " Backdoor ", etc. In any case it is a work of variation and personality that should not be missed by anyone who likes the style mentioned above. Furthermore, the CD has a nice cardboard box presentation with quite an interesting "vintage" look. Collectors are advised.

http://www.myspace.com/downtownmystic
http://www.shala.com

Martín Moreno/NOIZZ Webzine

domingo 9 de enero de 2011 This is the Spanish Review as it appears on Noizz Webzine 01/09/2011

DOWNTOWN MYSTIC – Standing Still

8/10
Vamos con un disco de Rock venido directamente de los Estados Unidos que deja bien claras sus raíces y su gusto por lo clásico sin renunciar a un sonido fresco que tanto hubiese funcionado hace algunas décadas como ahora en nuestros días. Estoy hablando del nuevo disco, el tercero de su carrera, de este proyecto llamado DOWNTOWN MYSTIC tras el que se encuentra el enigmático artista Robert Allen acompañado de músicos de primer nivel en cuyos currículum se puede leer que son o han sido miembros de las bandas de BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN o PAUL MCCARTNEY. Con estas credenciales cualquiera podrá prever que esto va a sonar bastante bien y que se trata de un trabajo de Rock clásico de calidad, eso sí con sabor 100% americano.

En la biografía de DOWNTOWN MYSTIC se puede leer que en sus orígenes se trataba de un proyecto en solitario, el cual con el tiempo se ha transformado en una banda que combina las cualidades tanto de su fundador Robert Allen como de los talentosos músicos de los que se ha rodeado. El disco que nos ocupa, titulado “Standing Still”, es el nuevo trabajo de la banda y en el parece que se haya detenido el tiempo, sonando atemporal: tan clásico como actual, ya que este tipo de Rock con raíces no es ninguna moda pasajera sino todo lo contrario, es una música con unos cimientos bien afianzados. Es importante remarcar las raíces americanas ya que el disco se podría catalogar o etiquetar dentro de lo que sería el American Rock n´ Roll, muy influenciado por el Country de ese país.

Pero más allá de etiquetas o biografías en “Standing Still” tenemos un trabajo realmente bueno si lo que te gusta es este tipo de Rock, estando muy bien trabajado a nivel instrumental, vocal y también en la producción, con un aire analógico que hace que el resultado sea de lo más auténtico. Y es que en líneas generales los trece temas que componen el álbum dejan una buena sensación, aunque en mi opinión los temas más rockeros y moviditos son los que tienen más gancho, sino escucha cortes como “Too Many Times”, “History”, “Backdoor”, etc. En cualquier caso se trata de un trabajo variado y con personalidad que no debería dejar pasar nadie a quien le guste el estilo ya mencionado. Además el CD cuenta con una bonita presentación en caja de cartoncillo con una estética “vintage” bastante interesante. Avisados quedan los coleccionistas.

http://www.myspace.com/downtownmystic
http://www.shala.com

Martín Moreno/http://noizzwebzine.blogspot.com/2011/01/downtown-mystic-standing-still.html

ROOTSHIGHWAY REVIEW / Italy

DownTown Mysic
Standing Still
[Sha-La Records 2010]

A Bar band at heart, DownTown Mystic are a nice breath of fresh air, although you will not find a single solo riff or a single melody of the entire Standing Still that sounds vaguely familiar. It is not a provocation of mine, but the certainty that sometimes you just have very little to base an album of good songs, with few pretensions to originality perhaps but with experience and a taste not at all negligible. With Robert Allen and DownTown Mystic we are in the field of best crafted rock'n'roll, that each time you feel you shoot a smile and the certainty that the party will go on and on, even if nobody remembers anything. Here pulls air of New Jersey, the birthplace of the band (and already you should prick up your ears), the proof is that for the previous work (in particular the debut Rock’n’Roll 4 The Soul of 2006) even involved Garry Tallent and Max Weinberg of the E-Street Band. Today, Allen gave more stability to the group, initially as a solo project and gradually to collaborating with Bruce Engler, Lance Doss and especially drummer Steve Holley (already at the Court of Paul McCartney & Wings).

The concept of Standing Still is really very simple: a handful of arrangements from the rock'n'roll of Chuck Berry (the attack of “Modern Ways” is a cool plagiarism, but it works) passing through Creedence, the Stones and the honky tonk bars of Texas (“Backdoor”, “Shade of White”), some sparkling pop song that recalls the late 70s English wave (by Nick Lowe to Dave Edmunds, the school is one you can recognize in “Too Many Times” and “History” for example) and finally the usual ballads with an eye to American country (the mandolin and the roots sound of “Believe” and “Shade of White Bluegrass”). You will understand that the new and the future does not pass here, but if you enjoy vintage guitars played with taste, quality songwriting and an atmosphere that captures the best live performance of the group, then DownTown Mystic will provide three-quarters of an hour of lovely memories, capable of that job that only someone who comes from the rank and file is able to offer.

Robert Allen in this sense seems to be clear: with the rhythm section consisting of Holley and Paul Page has guaranteed that sparkling beat for the content of DownTown Mystic, while interventions of Lance Doss (also lap steel and banjo) offer traditional American flavors that could also draw the attention of a different audience. If I were however, to define the imagination of Standing Still, I would return again to disturbing that season of the so-called PubRock, which by combining melody and roots, Buddy Holly, the Beatles and Rolling Stones managed to reach agreement over generations. Downtown Mystic might also act as a surrogate, but they have fun and entertain with solid songs. Davide Albini/RootsHighway June 7, 2010

This is the Italian Review as it appears in RootsHighway 06/07/2010

DownTown Mysic
Standing Still
[Sha-La Records 2010]

Bar band nel cuore e nell'anima, i DownTown Mystic sono una bella boccata d'aria fresca, anche se non troverete un solo riff o una sola melodia dell'intero Standing Still che non suoni vagamente già sentita. Non è una provocazione la mia, ma la certezza che a volte basta davvero poco per imbastire un album di buone canzoni, con poche pretese di originalità magari ma con un'esperienza e un gusto niente affatto disprezzabili. Con Robert Allen e i suoi DownTown Mystic siamo nel campo del migliore artigianato rock'n'roll, quello che ogni volta che lo senti ti scatta un sorriso sulle labbra e la certezza che il party andrà avanti all'infinito, anche quando di loro non si ricorderà praticamente più nessuno. Qui tira aria di New Jersey, luogo di nascita della band (e già dovreste drizzare le orecchie), prova ne sia che per i lavori precedenti (in particolare per l'esordio "Rock'n'roll 4 the Soul" del 2006) furono coinvolti persino Gary Tallent e Max Weinberg della E-Strett Band. Oggi Allen ha dato più stabilità al gruppo, partito inzialmente come progetto solista e allargatosi via via alle collaborazioni di Bruce Engler, Lance Doss e soprattutto del batterista Steve Holley (già alla corte di Paul McCartney & the Wings).

Il concetto alla base dei Standing Still è veramente molto semplice: una manciata di accordi che dal rock'n'roll di Chuck Berry (l'attacco di Modern Ways è un plagio bello e buono, eppure funziona) passano per i Creedence, gli Stones e gli honky tonk bar del Texas (Backdoor, Shade of White), qualche frizzante pop song che ricorda l'onda inglese di fine settanta (da Nick Lowe a Dave Edmunds, la scuola è quella e la si può riconoscere in Too Many Times e History ad esempio) e infine le solite ballate con lo sguardo rivolto all'America country (il mandolino e il suono roots di Believe e Shade of White Bluegrass). Si sarà capito che la novità e il futuro non passano da queste parti, ma se vi divertono le chitarre suonate con gusto vintage, un songwriting di qualità e un'atmosfera live che cattura al meglio l'esecuzione del gruppo, allora i DownTown Mystic sapranno regalarvi tre quarti d'ora di adorabili ricordi, capaci come sono di quel mestiere che solo chi viene dalla gavetta e dai bassifondi è in grado di offrire.

Robert Allen in questo senso sembra avere le idee chiare: con la sezione ritmica formata da Holley e Paul Page si è garantito quel beat spumeggiante per un proposta del tenore dei DownTown Mystic, mentre gli interventi di Lance Doss (anche lap steel e banjo) ci offrono quei tipici profumi Americana che potrebbero anche attirare le attenzioni di un pubblico diverso. Se dovessi però definire l'immaginario di Standing Still tornerei ancora una volta a scomodare quella stagione del cosiddetto pub rock, il quale unendo melodia e radici, Buddy Holly, Beatles e Rolling Stones riuscì a mettere d'accordo più generazioni. I Downtown Mystic magari saranno anche un surrogato, ma sanno divertirsi e intrattenere con solide canzoni.
(Davide Albini) http://www.rootshighway.it/archivio/2010/downtown.htm

ROOTSTIME REVIEW / Belgium / DOWNTOWN MYSTIC – STANDING STILL

Robert Allen and Bruce Engler are two veterans in the music world. From Hillsdale, New Jersey-based Robert Allen conceived Downtown Mystic as a solo project that would become a band. The first CD of the group released on Robert Allen's own record label Sha-La Music was "Rock'n'Roll 4 The Soul" followed by "Read the Signs". Downtown Mystic’s music is inspired by the music of the '60s and rock'n'roll from the seventies. Vintage influences in a contemporary modern rock form. For recording the debut album they succeeded in essential musical support from a few old friends. Not the least of which were bassist Garry Tallent and drummer Max Weinberg, both long-term, prominent members and the famous rhythm section of Bruce Springsteen's' E Street Band. Their third album has just come onto the market under the title "Standing Still" which they called on Paul McCartney & Wings drummer Steve Holley. In terms of song style Downtown Mystic's stays close to the traditional sound of bands like Poco, Buffalo Springfield and The Byrds where the guitars swing nicely. To match that traditional sound on this album, they also recorded in analog and digitally to better preserve the live sound. The driving rock and roll used for most songs on "Standing Still" is sometimes reminiscent of the music of John Fogerty and his Creedence Clearwater Revival. We hear that especially in "Back Door", "Better Day" and "Shade of White". Other times, they are more indebted to Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds at the time of their historical band Rockpile. This is the case in songs like ”Sometimes Wrong", "Too Many Times" and "History". For a moment they even tend to the pioneers of rock'n'roll, "Modern Ways" is very close to what we refer to as knockoff of a song by Chuck Berry or Buddy Holly imitation, then returning to "Rise & Fall", a song on the album to listen to in two versions. The country influences of bands like Wilco and Jayhawks are heard back in title track "Standing Still", "Believe" and the mandolin sounds dominated by country & bluegrass song "Shade Of White Bluegrass". With Downtown Mystic this band will certainly not be in the innovative corner but a fine hour of nostalgic music in widely appreciated genres that we have long known of the aforementioned predecessors. A nice piece of complex free entertainment and cooking up fun is the logical consequence.

(valsam) June 21, 2010
www.rootstime.be

ROOTSTIME REVIEW / Belgium / DOWNTOWN MYSTIC – STANDING STILL

Robert Allen en Bruce Engler zijn twee grijzende anciens in de muziekwereld. De uit Hillsdale, New Jersey afkomstige Robert Allen stond aan de wieg bij de geboorte van de formatie ‘Downtown Mystic’ dat toen nog als een soloproject werd opgevat.

De eerste cd van de groep die op Robert Allen’s eigen platenlabel ‘Sha-La Music’ werd uitgebracht was “Rock’n’Roll 4 The Soul”, gevolgd door “Read the Signs”. Muzikaal laat ‘Downtown Mystic’ zich inspireren door de popmuziek uit de jaren ’60 en de rock’n’roll uit de seventies. Die invloeden overgieten ze met een pikant rocksausje in een hedendaagse, modernere vorm.

Voor de opnamen van het debuutalbum slaagden ze er in om enkele oude vrienden te laten opdraven voor de onontbeerlijke muzikale ondersteuning. Niet van de minste vrienden echter want het ging hier dus wel om bassist Garry Tallent en drummer Max Weinberg, beiden langjarige, prominente leden en de beroemde ritmesectie van Bruce Springsteen’s ‘E-Street Band’.

Hun derde cd is net op de markt gekomen onder de titel “Standing Still” waarvoor ze een beroep deden op Paul McCartney’s & Wings-drummer Steve Holley. Qua songstijl leunen de heren van ‘Downtown Mystic’ vrij nauw aan bij de sound van traditionele bands als Poco, Buffalo Springfield en The Byrds waarin de gitaren lekker swingen. Om dat typische geluid te kunnen evenaren hebben ze dit album trouwens analoog en niet digitaal opgenomen waardoor die live sound beter behouden blijft.

De stuwende rock and roll die voor de meeste songs op “Standing Still” werd gehanteerd doet soms denken aan de muziek van John Fogerty en zijn ‘Creedence Clearwater Revival’. Dat horen we vooral in “Backdoor”, “Better Day” en “Shade Of White”. Een andere keer zijn ze wat meer schatplichtig aan Nick Lowe en Dave Edmunds ten tijde van hun historische band ‘Rockpile’. Dat is bijvoorbeeld het geval in songs als “Sometimes Wrong”, “Too Many Times” en “History”.

Heel even neigen ze zelfs naar de pioniers van de rock’n’roll, “Modern Ways” is heel dicht bij wat men plagiaat pleegt te noemen van een song van Chuck Berry of imiteren ze Buddy Holly die terugkeert in “Rise & Fall”, een song die op dit album in twee versies te beluisteren valt. De countryinvloeden van bands als Jayhawks of Wilco horen we dan weer terug in titeltrack “Standing Still”, “Believe” of het door mandolineklanken overheerste country & bluegrassnummer “Shade Of White Bluegrass”.

Met ‘Downtown Mystic’ wil deze band dus zeker niet vernieuwend uit de hoek komen maar vooral een uurtje fijne nostalgische muziek brengen in breed geapprecieerde genres die we sinds lange tijd kennen van de hierboven vermelde voorgangers. Een leuk staaltje complexloos entertainment en bakken fun is het logische gevolg daarvan.

(valsam / www.rootstime.be / June 21, 2010)

Spotlight: DownTown Mystic

The Top 22 Editor | Jun 24, 2010 |

New Jersey roots-rockers DownTown Mystic got an early break from Jed the Fish on KROQ, and on the 3rd album Standing Still, they stay true to the sound of vintage guitars recorded on analog gear…

Robert Allen and Bruce Engler of DownTown Mystic

You never know who’s gonna give you that break, or that nod of encouragement.

In the case of Robert Allen, it was, of all people, Jed the Fish who played a track as his “Catch of the Day.” Rodney on the Roq followed with more airplay.

It was at that stage that Robert decided to take his project, DownTown Mystic, in a more serious direction — ultimately working with Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent of the E Street Band, and Steve Holley of Wings, among others.The third album, Standing Still, stays true to the roots of rock and roll, using vintage guitars recorded on analog gear.

Musically, there are nods to The Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, Poco, as well as The Beatles and The Stones. The roots rock sound comes through on our Song of the Week, Better Days.

The track is available on A Taste of Triple A #63, and you can learn more about the band on their MySpace Page.

Filed Under: Featured • Music • Spotlight