“At times, a song only needs to find the right groove in order to take a well-known rock sound and make it feel new once more.”
DownTown Mystic is bringing out a new single called “Maybe Love’s A Crime”, one that embraces the atmosphere of classic American rock and roll yet maintains its own individuality. The song was released on October 9, 2026, marking a new direction after the success of the *Mystic Highway Road Trip* EP. Instead of just doing what listeners might anticipate, Robert Allen chooses a different route and lets the song’s rhythm and the instrumental performances determine its character.
The most interesting aspect of the track is the rhythm section, with drummer Steve Holley and bassist Paul Page recording their parts in one take, which gives the song’s shuffle groove a natural feel. The concept developed after Allen had trouble deciding on the best rhythmic direction; it was Page who suggested taking inspiration from Dion, an artist that Allen had always respected. This reference helped to finalise the arrangement and gave the track a groove that is based in the rock and roll tradition. Rather than complicate the production, the musicians allowed the rhythm to do its thing and thus provided a solid foundation for the song. The edition also contains a TV Mix performed by keyboardist Jeff Levine, whose piano playing adds another dimension to the song. The way he plays gives off a classic atmosphere that works well with the rhythm section and the overall roots-rock style. This extra mix provides listeners with another means of enjoying the song and at the same time underscores the role of musicians who know how to construct a good arrangement without making it too busy. Allen’s interest in old-fashioned recording techniques is one of the reasons that DownTown Mystic has its particular character; in this case, that approach serves the song rather than amounting to nothing more than a mere exercise in nostalgia.
The single ‘Maybe Love’s A Crime’ comes at a time when DownTown Mystic has been very productive, after having put out two EPs in 2026, namely *Mystic Highway Road Trip* and *On E Street Remix*. Yet the song is still a stand-alone achievement thanks to its shuffle-based foundation, the solid collective performance, and its respect for the traditions which have influenced American rock. Because it is being released worldwide via The Orchard/Sony Music, the track once again shows Robert Allen’s capability of working in a conventional style while at the same time allowing room for exploration. ‘Maybe Love’s A Crime’ serves as a reminder that a well-selected groove, performed by musicians who grasp the character of a song, can make classic rock and roll sound fresh today.
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