DownTown Mystic – The Wish
Robert Allen’s DownTown Mystic project returns with “The Wish,” a collection that showcases his commitment to traditional rock values while incorporating contemporary production touches. This fusion of old and new creates an album that should satisfy longtime fans while potentially attracting new listeners to his established sound.
The title track “The Wish (Sound Spa Mix)” opens the album with an interesting origin story. Originally conceived as a more upbeat number, the song transformed in the studio when drummer Steve Holley (known for work with Paul McCartney and Ian Hunter) suggested a slower, weightier approach. This intuitive studio decision pays off, landing somewhere between classic Neil Young and 90s Pearl Jam, with Stephen DeAcutis providing complementary guitar work that enhances the track’s emotional resonance.
The rhythm section deserves recognition, with Paul Page’s bass work providing a steady foundation throughout the album. His performance on tracks like “One Step Closer (Sound Spa Mix)” and “Better Day (Sound Spa Mix)” helps elevate what might otherwise be standard rock fare. Leon Zervos’s mastering adds clarity to the production, though at times the polished approach sacrifices some of the raw energy that might have served certain tracks better.
“One More Chance (Album Mix)” represents Allen’s straightforward rock songwriting – competent and engaging if not groundbreaking. Meanwhile, “Shade Of White (2025 Shorefire Remix)” and “Tomorrow’s Clown (2025 Leon Zervos Remaster)” offer welcome changes of pace and demonstrate more range than the album’s more upbeat numbers might suggest.
The album includes several reworked tracks from the DownTown Mystic catalog, with “History (2025 Leon Zervos Remaster)” and “Modern Ways (Sound Spa Mix)” showing how Allen’s songwriting has developed over time. His lyrics explore familiar themes of change and resilience, occasionally hitting their mark with genuine insight, though sometimes relying on established rock tropes.
Even the bonus tracks contribute meaningfully to the collection. “Lost & Found (Radio Single)” and “Read The Signs (2025 Leon Zervos Remaster)” round out the album with consistency, while “Some Day (2025 Leon Zervos Remaster)” stands as one of the album’s stronger offerings with its patient build and emotional delivery.
“The Wish” offers real musicianship that remains committed to rock’s fundamentals – organic instrumentation played with conviction. The various mixes and remasters give these tracks new context, though not all treatments are equally effective. Some songs benefit from their refreshed approach while others might have been better served by a less polished production style.
DownTown Mystic has carved out a respectable niche with international airplay and numerous sync placements in television and film. This practical success speaks to Allen’s ability to create accessible rock music that connects without necessarily breaking new ground.
“The Wish” won’t revolutionize rock music, but it doesn’t need to. It delivers a reliable collection of songs that honor rock traditions while incorporating enough contemporary elements to avoid feeling dated. This is straightforward, melody-driven rock with American musical roots. Again! (7/10) (Sha-La Music, Inc.)
