DownTown Mystic are back with “Maybe Love’s A Crime”, a new single which takes their established style of vintage and modern rock ‘n’ roll in an unforeseen direction. The song, released via The Orchard/Sony Music on October 9, makes use of the lasting charm of American roots rock while incorporating a rhythm that gives it a distinct character. At the heart of the project is songwriter and producer Robert Allen, who combines his commitment to traditional recording methods with the experience of a well-trained group of musicians. Instead of depending simply on nostalgia, DownTown Mystic use the classic rock ‘n’ roll foundations as a launching point for something that sounds vibrant and immediate. “Great rock ’n’ roll doesn’t have to keep up with the times since its groove, attitude, and songwriting can still have something new to say.”
The rhythm was one of the key decisions concerning the single. Allen at first found himself in a difficult position as to what direction the track should take, until bassist Paul Page proposed a shuffle that had been inspired by his experience working with the rock ‘n’ roll icon Dion. For Allen, who has always been a big fan of Dion, the connection was immediately obvious and this led to a groove that settled perfectly into place. Page and drummer Steve Holley, whose previous work has included sessions with Paul McCartney and Elton John, recorded the rhythm section in one take, giving the performance an intuitive feel. Keyboardist Jeff Levine provides an extra dimension with a notable piano contribution on the two-track version of the single, which also contains a TV Mix. The blend of a shuffle-based rhythm, skilled musicianship and a strong piano element means that “Maybe Love’s A Crime” links with the roots of rock without seeming to be stuck in the past. “Sometimes the secret to a great track is finding the right groove—and letting the musicians make it feel inevitable.”
After a busy year for DownTown Mystic, which has included the Mystic Highway Road Trip and the On E Street Remix EP—the EP featuring Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent of the E Street Band—Allen’s method remains focused on combining the spirit of classic American rock with the warmth of old-style guitars and analog recording, a style influenced by groups such as Buffalo Springfield and Rockpile. Although DownTown Mystic’s music has been used in more than 250 television programmes and films and thus has built up a significant position in the field of sync licensing, this new release is mainly a tribute to the art of creating an engaging rock ’n’ roll record. The next release from the project, *On E Street Remix – The Album*, will be available on Black Friday, on November 27, with six new tracks. For the moment, “Maybe Love’s A Crime” serves as a reminder that the correct rhythm, a standout piano performance, and musicians who are capable of locking into a groove are still able to give a classic rock ’n’ roll record a thrilling feel.
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