AmeriKarma
Sha-La, 2023
9/10
The always exceptional artist DownTown Mystic returns with a pandemic record, where laidback singer-songwriter ideas and modern Americana are present and appreciated across the powerful, heartfelt tunes.
“Fly” opens the listen with Steve Holley’s cozy drumming alongside the smooth singing and breezy guitar from DTM, and “Day Of Reckoning” follows with Tony Trischka’s fluid banjo giving the melodic roots rocker some rural spirit in the soaring climate.
Halfway through, “Superstar”, which is dedicated to Sir Elton, brings both grit and harmony to the swift and energetic heartland rock, while “Losing My Mind” benefits much from the skilled guitar of Lance Doss via the busy versus calm moments of the dynamic country rocker.
Close to the end, the bluesy spirit of “No Exceptions” recruits some rawness amid the loud and charged delivery, and “And You Know Why” continues the strong song craft with appearances from Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent for the reflective finish that’s tinted with intimacy, too.
This is DownTown Mystic’s 9th album, and for fans of artists like Jack Johnson, Mumford & Sons or Tom Petty, be prepared to spend a lot of quality time with AmeriKarma.
Travels well with: Downtown Mystic- 21st Century Rock’n’Roll; Benjamin Dakota Rogers- Paint Horse