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A Timeless Voyage: Cliff & Susan’s “Into the Mystic” Reimagined

Cliff & Susan’s rendition of Van Morrison’s classic “Into the Mystic” is a beautifully crafted tribute that gracefully marries the ethereal spirit of the original with a rich, country-soul twist. Recorded at the legendary FAME Recording Studios, this single not only honors Morrison’s 1970 masterpiece but also introduces a fresh wave of emotive depth that speaks directly to the duo’s musical roots.

From the first strum of the guitar, Cliff’s warm and resonant vocals guide listeners through a familiar journey of nostalgia and yearning. His voice, steady and soulful, brings a comforting presence to the song, while Susan’s harmonizing vocals add a delicate layer of intimacy, wrapping the listener in a gentle embrace. Her Wurlitzer performance gives the track a soft, rolling current that flows seamlessly with Clayton Ivey’s understated yet evocative organ work.

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The production is clean and crisp, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing the emotional core of the song. The subtle interplay between Scott Todd’s guitar and Justin Holder’s drums provides a rhythmic foundation that evokes the gentle sway of the ocean, perfectly capturing the imagery of sailing “into the mystic.”

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In their interpretation, Cliff & Susan maintain the mystical, almost spiritual aura of Morrison’s original, but they infuse it with their signature country flair—a sound that is both tender and resolute. The choice to record at FAME Studios, a place steeped in musical history, adds an extra layer of authenticity and reverence to the project.

For those who cherish the soulful serenity of “Into the Mystic,” Cliff & Susan’s version offers a familiar yet refreshing take that is sure to resonate with both longtime fans of the original and newcomers alike.

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For those intrigued by the deeper, more complex interplay of country and soul, Van Morrison’s *Moondance* album offers a lush, intricate soundscape that expands upon the themes explored in “Into the Mystic.”

Cliff & Susan’s heartfelt rendition of “Into the Mystic” is a standout cover that pays homage to the original while showcasing their unique musical identity. With a polished production and emotionally resonant performance, this single is a must-listen for fans of country and soul music alike.
Rating: 92/100

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–Sam Sheppard

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Artist Spotlight

Catlea unveils soulful rhythmic melodies with boldly introspective triumph in new EP “Bones”

Catlea

Music lovers are prepared to experience a striking new soundscape as Catlea, the eclectic singer-songwriter known for her thoughtful lyrical style, drops her latest EP, “Bones,” a four-track sonic adventure through euphoria, introspection, and reinvention. This release marks Catlea’s stirring ability to effortlessly blend elements of indie-pop and even hints of R&B disco sound with soul sensibilities that defy boundaries and invite listeners to dance, reflect, and lose themselves in the music.

The EP, led by the upbeat title track, Bones,” is a hypnotic indie-pop anthem lush with soulful vibes, polished with a light brush of disco, and primed to get heads bobbing and feet moving. It’s a joyous opening that gives fans a taste of Catlea’s undeniable knack for weaving diverse influences into something fresh and captivatingly energetic.

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Next, the second track, Crumbling,” takes a soulful turn, enveloping listeners in a world of raw vulnerability and reflection. Here, Catlea opens up about the unsettling reality of ‘crumbling‘ after a period of illusion and the resolve to rebuild oneself. This song’s heartfelt lyrics exude the poignant experience of the emotional range of facing one’s insecurities with a sense of abandonment that flows seamlessly, demonstrating her artistic versatility.

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Following is the heart-wrenching third track, Lying,” a mesmerizing lyrical powerhouse that dives into the bittersweet honesty of wishing to have lied about infidelity in pursuit of happiness. With a reflective anthemic chorus, Catlea confronts her emotions head-on, wrestling with the complexities of vulnerability in relationships. It is a bold narrative showcasing a daring edge to make the personal universal.

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Closing the EP is Like Me,” a beautifully emotional ballad that marries timeless rhythmic piano chords, a soulful acoustic guitar strum, and trance-like synth pads. It perfectly encapsulates her complex duality of yearning for closure while exhausted by the lingering memories of being overdramatic due to love loss.

With the release of “Bones,” Catlea presents a profound exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the path to healing, enhanced by her signature engaging storytelling and melodic sophistication. This EP is a vulnerable masterclass likely to establish her as a distinctive voice within the music industry. It is poised to be a significant addition to her expanding discography, appealing to long-time admirers and new listeners discovering her artistry. “Bones” is expected to make a lasting impact on the playlists of music enthusiasts.

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For more information about Catlea, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Catlea’s EP Bones on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Catlea | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Shyfrin Alliance ignites rock’s core with grit anthemic sparks in his recent single “Lockdown”

Shyfrin Alliance

Shyfrin Alliance smashes the blues-rock door wide open with “Lockdown,” a blazing track that promises a spot on every rock lover’s playlist. Kicking off with a blistering guitar solo, the single, an instant ignition, sets the stage for a thrilling musical adventure, carrying listeners on an adrenaline-fueled trip into tricky rock terrain. Frontman Eduard Shyfrin’s gravelly vocals growl with fiercely modern intensity, churning through gritty riffs and face-melting solos reminiscent of classic rock’s most iconic anthems.

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The dynamic drum beats and catchy guitar rhythms, combined with the stunning accompanying lyric video, are intensely immersive. Flashes of abstract landscapes, glimpses of community moments, and party scenes alternate with close-ups of Shyfrin at work in the recording studio, drawing audiences into the heart of the song’s passion. This combination of visuals and heartfelt lyrics transforms “Lockdown” into a whole sensory experience that hits on every emotional level.

Shyfrin’s narrative adds another layer to this powerhouse track. Classically trained in piano during his childhood in Ukraine, Eduard’s career took a detour into metallurgy and business before a personal crisis led him back to music with a renewed mindset. With “Lockdown” and his debut album Upside Down Blues,’ Shyfrin Alliance marks the bold comeback of a man who channels life experience into every note. The song “Lockdown” is a true anthem for those who crave rock’s purist energy. It showcases Shyfrin Alliance as a band ready to make a lasting impact, unrestrained and roaring with purpose.

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For more information about Shyfrin Alliance, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Shyfrin Alliance’s Lockdown on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Shyfrin Alliance | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |

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