One really has to hand it to John Reis; he surely keeps his work interesting with consistent releases and frequent offerings. Mystery Machine is the second tour-only 7" from his latest band, The Night Marchers. Just like the previous tour-only seven inch, Mystery Machine is like a short reminder of the band's existence and a nice memento from their shows. Beyond this however is the music that sits on this lovely little slab of vinyl, and boy is it ever a rock and roll record.
"Mystery Machine" itself is a rolling rock and roll record that sounds like it is bursting forth off some record made in the late 50's or really early 60's. The "na na" part is classic and the rolling bassline cements this "blast from the past" effect pretty well; it really is a great rock and roll song. "Rock-A-Bye Maybe" is a slower track, but it does not make it any less fun to hear (yes, fun, remember when records could be described as such?). This song has what might arguably be one of John Reis's best arrangements that he has written to date; a little more than half way through the song it kicks in with vocal harmonies that are dripping with melodic sweetness and has just a super catchy hook.
Short and sweet, Mystery Machine is the type of record that should be sitting in jukeboxes all over the country and seems to cry out for some bygone days of rock and roll glory when Elvis ruled the airwaves and challengers to his throne tossed out song after song in the hopes of ascending to his throne. These two songs are great examples of what The Night Marchers are capable of doing and really dare others to challenge them. Reis and company deserve more recognition than they are currently receiving, and this little record is one more piece of evidence to that fact. Go see The Night Marchers and have a good time; then, pick up this record and play it on your stereo because you will be thankful that you did.
