Fire & Honey
Blackbird, 2025
9/10
This debut album from the Long Beach duo Wild Mountain Mystics showcases Rick and Lisa’s authentic Americana vision with plenty of friends along.
The upbeat title track starts with Rick’s expressive pipes alongside Lisa’s warm harmony vocals that suit the flowing mandolin and guitar, and “If You Can Bluff” follows with a frisky spirit, as Chad Watson’s playful bass enters the dance floor ready energy.
In the middle, Lisa’s pipes are center stage for the heartfelt “What Our Love Can Do”, where Rick handles drums and guitar, while “Love Is The Law” is a bit more rugged via Rick’s sturdy guitar and Lisa’s electric sitar.
Near the end, “All You Need Is Love” offers a collaborative moment via Marty Axelrod’s keys, Debra Dobkin’s drums and Ed Tree’s guitars and handclaps that illuminate the melodic album highlight, and “May We All Meet Again” exits with a chorus of vocals and Lisa’s mandolin, banjo and pipes adding much to the Irish nods.
Half the song titles have love referenced in them, which gives you a good idea of where Rick and Lisa are coming from, and their Appalachian meets Woodstock approach will leave anyone feeling better after spending time with Wild Mountain Mystics.
Travels well with: Shane Alexander- Forever Songs; Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters- Good Morning, Sunshine