The Mistics - Songs to the World [EP]

The Mistics

​Songs to the World [EP]
self-released; 2017

3.8 out of 5

By Jamie Robash

The world is what it is. It comes down to individuality in my opinion and that is what breeds art. The Mistics, a three-piece rock outfit out of Corpus Christi, Texas seem to know this wholeheartedly. Their record Songs to the World is indelible in the fact that it seeks to make sense of why we do what we do as people and also speaks to the larger void of spirituality in many forms. The title alone seems to let the listener know that the band is aware of the worldliness of problems that affect people but the music hits with a personal flavor that brings everything together.

The opening track “Passing Through” contains this gorgeous line amongst others “like watching someone that you cared for fade to end / and being angry, asking why did you take my friend.” This is a powerful statement and it is delivered softly, as though from a stance of a passing phase. The damage had been done and the singer is just now able to speak about it, though the vocals are soft and angelic. This ensemble follows on the echoing acoustic guitar/piano rambler “Sing to the World” which as it moves grows into this hymn of rock that feels like a hopeful verse to the world in general. It is a song of peace.

Things change and get less preachy in a sense on the darker “Directions” which has some buzz saw guitars and a more anthemic feel. It’s loud and proud and sounds like a stadium rocker. The band returns to the glumness on the slow burning “Outside My Window” which I appreciated for its directness of songwriting.

​It’s probably for most a bit of a tawdry affair but I like that kind of thing. I just mean the song has a lot of heart to it. Call me crazy but I’m a sucker for a good cry. Speaking of good cries “Help Me (The World)” is an open letter of sorts that reminded me of late period John Lennon. It’s a wonderfully sad song that just kept me enthralled the whole time.

Songs to the World is at times delightfully sad but never begs for it. It is one of the truest records I have heard in recent memory. It pulls no punches, asks nothing and has no political boundaries. It is kind and beautiful and very well written. It is a record for our time.

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