Five- piece psychedelic rock band The Mystics have released their debut album Burning Down - an eleven song trip down a musical rabbit hole that is equally sexy and smooth as it is gritty and dark. Based in Barrie, ON, The Mystics have been changing the face of the local music scene since their formation in early 2018.
On top of playing sold out shows throughout Ontario, including a few festivals, they released their first single, ‘Desert Ritual’, along with a self-produced music video (check it out HERE).. The song was quickly picked up by local radio and the video has amassed nearly 5,000 views. Now, after months of recording at Unity Market Studios as well as Mix11 Studios in Barrie, Burning Down has been released - and they did not disappoint!
The album kicks off with ‘Backseat Lover’, the first single from Burning Down (see the new music video HERE). It is a beautifully funky, sexy, and groovy song with just the right amount of ‘70’s retro feel. Right off the bat, the tone of the album is set as the second track ‘Karma Comet’ begins. The arrangement and flow is very well done, and a short, dirty guitar solo puts a unique accent on an overall laid-back song.
‘Gremlins’ brings the gritty aspects to the forefront, with lead singer Joshua Lucas showing incredible vocal range throughout. This song is truly emotional, bringing you through musical peaks and valleys and everywhere in between.
Later in the album comes ‘Ketamine’, lulling you into a false sense of psychedelic calm before unleashing a southern-rock barrage. ‘Freak’ is an immensely fun throwback with heavy notes of the trippier side of The Doors and Pink Floyd.
Overall, Burning Down never lets up in its emotional and musical intensity. The songs are arranged in an almost cinematic way, bringing the listener on a journey fraught with pain, loss, substance, and self-realization. The Mystics show a deep understanding of music and emotion, combining the two to create one of the best all-around albums I have heard in a long time.
I highly recommend Burning Down, available on most major streaming platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud.
If you want to check out The Mystics live, don’t miss them on Saturday, August 17th at Mavricks Music Hall in Barrie when they hit the stage for the Breaking Sound Kickoff Party, presented by Rock 95, Impact Live, StS Promotions, and We Love Sound Entertainment! Get your tickets online through Eventbrite for just $10!
