7/10

There is something naturally cinematic about good roots rock. A few chords, a steady rhythm and the right kind of vocal can immediately conjure empty highways, late-afternoon light and the promise of somewhere new just beyond the next turn. And on 'Mystic Highway Road Trip', DownTown Mystic leans fully into that feeling, delivering six songs that sound built for movement.

The EP arrives as a natural extension of last year’s 'Mystic Highway', but it avoids feeling like a simple repackaging exercise. Instead, writer and producer Robert Allen uses the road-trip concept as a way of reframing the music, pulling together a set of upbeat, direct and emotionally grounded rock songs that thrive on momentum.

Tracks such as ‘Live’ and ‘Losing My Mind’ carry the kind of energy that has long defined DownTown Mystic’s work, balancing classic rock instincts with enough sharpness to keep the music rooted in the present. The former gains extra colour from Jerry Fierro’s harmonica, while the latter benefits from Lance Doss’s guitar work, adding further muscle without overwhelming the songwriting.

Across the release, the rhythm section of Steve Holley and Paul Page proves crucial. Their playing gives the songs a loose but assured pulse, creating the impression of musicians responding to one another rather than simply executing parts.

The previously unreleased ‘Somebody’s Always Doin’ Something 2 Somebody (Uncut Mix)’ is particularly welcome, giving the arrangement more room to breathe and allowing Jeff Levine’s piano and B-3 organ to come further into focus. It feels less compressed than a conventional single edit and better suited to the spirit of a release built around travel, space and forward motion.

Elsewhere, ‘Superstar’ and ‘Shadow Walk’ benefit from Joe DeMaio’s guitar contributions, adding texture to a set already rich in classic rock detail. Throughout, Allen keeps the focus on strong choruses, clear melodies and arrangements that never forget the pleasure of simplicity.

For a band with a long history and a strong reputation in sync licensing, 'Mystic Highway Road Trip' feels especially apt. It's a confident reminder that sometimes the best soundtrack for the road is still a great rock song played loud.