Having amassed hundreds of thousands of streams across a multitude of original rock and roll releases, the integrity and heart of all things DownTown Mystic has built up an impressive repertoire and following in recent years. That process culminates this season, with the release of a divine original album, and one naturally suited to lighting up the incoming summer months.
Twelve original tracks plus two bonus extras make up the 2025 album The Wish, an accomplished and thoughtful ode to the musical ability and lifelong sentimental value of all things DownTown Mystic.
The album The Wish begins with its title track, a heartfelt all-together-now moment, which quickly lays down the conceptual and stylistic intentions of the project, and follows this with a quickly gritty acoustic blues riff and song that’s naturally engaging.
One Step Closer is a gem of an early track from The Wish, the lyric ‘We’ve all got a home, we’ve just gotta find it’ resounding beautifully, and these two songs together set the bar well for what’s to follow.
Moving forward, Better Day is an absolute anthem of a highlight, an instantly catchy hook, with an uplifting core as ever, and a strong groove backed by simple, paired vocals, for the easy earworm that naturally lingers.
After this, the acoustic riff and optimism of One More Chance hits with equally engaging impact, and showcases an alternative side to DownTown Mystic, with longer-form ideas developing across a rolling pop-rock soundscape. Then we get the sharp and stylish licks and rhythms of an addictively blues-rock Shade of White – another standout for its confident redirection of mood.
Arrangement always matters, but fortunately, DownTown Mystic has long-since mastered the art of that. Tomorrow’s Clown is a perfectly-placed acoustic offering, a heartfelt story and folk sound that feels like an ode to the softer moments from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Cat Stevens, or The Beatles.
Alongside the artist’s musical prowess, the lyrics and melodies throughout this project are a dream to escape into, and this quality helps the album hold attention and affection from start to finish.
Bigger rock vibes return for the arena-ready warmth and energy of Love Light, followed by the addictive honky-tonk presence and sliding riff vibes of a hugely uplifting and passionately raspy History.
Then to top off a euphoric progression, DownTown Mystic takes us right back to the Chuck Berry days, with the soaring electric guitar-work and vocal precision of Modern Ways. Here we get the old-school rock and roll embrace, intertwined with a clearly conceptual reflection and story that’s brilliantly original. Another personal favourite for the sheer entertainment, style, and intentions of the song.
For the final three mixes, we’re gifted a moment of quiet and harmonised reflection, a high-energy injection of indie rock power, and a humble pop-rock warmth and wonder to wrap things up in a distinctly evocative and comforting fashion. The album promises a certain consistency and character throughout, but its eclecticism is also a huge part of what lets it hold tightly to its audience throughout, and this final bonus track – Read The Signs, with Bruce Engler – completes the truthful appeal of that process quite perfectly.
DownTown Mystic strikes again – a timeless collection of impressively original yet well-rooted classics, a juxtaposed explosion of ideas and musical moods that naturally helps relieve the weight of the outside world. The Wish is an easy joy for the year ahead.
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