A Rush tribute band, Mystic Rhythms is comprised of Paul Armento on lead vocals, bass and synth pedals, as well as Adam Pliss on drums and percussion and Steve Longo on guitar, synth pedals and background vocals.
Their set began with a clockwork background, from their Clockwork Angels album, where the clock went backwards, thus implying the band taking their audience on a trip through time with Rush’s music. They kicked off their set with “The Spirit of Radio,” with Paul on lead vocals and guitar. He thanked the audience, and he told them that they will be playing songs from Rush from the following decades: 00s, 90s, 80s and 70s.
Paul introduced “”BU2B,” which was a spitfire and uptempo tune, where red lights graced the stage. It was followed by “Far Cry,” which he noted was a song from their Snakes & Arrows album, coupled by an ocean backdrop on the televised screen.
During “Limelight,” green and orange lights dimmed from the stage, and Paul showed off his wide range as a vocalist on this tune. “Animate” featured several key lyrics imprinted on the televised screen, such as compensate, animate, complicate and elevate, to list a few.
“Thank you,” Paul said. “Be right back,” he added, and a video clip consisting of Rush caricature graced the screen, as it gave time for the tribute trio to change costumes.
They returned with the crowd favorite songs, such as the upbeat “Big Money,” where images of $100,000 bills displayed on the sreen. “All right. This next song needs no introduction,” Paul said, and delivered a vivacious version of “Subdivisions.”
Paul introduced his fellow band-mates, Adam and Steve, and shared that Mystic Rhythms is a “concept show” that honors “40 years of Rush music.” “This is the first time we’re doing this ever,” he said, in a nervous fashion, but he should be rest-assured that the concept concert was executed well throughout the night.
It was followed by their namesake song “Mystic Rhythms,” which was one of the highlight songs of the evening, as purple lights dimmed from the stage, and Paul introduced his drummer Adam for his impressive drum solo act. They closed the second act of their show with “Roll the Bones,” the title track of Rush’s 1991 album.
After an intermission and a costume change, they returned for “Tom Sawyer,” “Freewill,” “The Trees, “Closer to the Heart” and the noteworthy instrumental “YYZ.”
The Verdict
Overall, Mystic Rhythms was entertaining for their inaugural Rush concert at The Paramount. Their performance was solid, and so were their background, production and lights. Paul transformed into Rush lead singer Geddy Lee, for the duration of their set, and Paul’s vocals were reminiscent of such esteemed musicians as Phil Collins meets Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers). Their show is a must for any fans of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Rush, and it is recommended for anybody who may not be familiar with Rush’s music. Mystic Rhythms will surely give them a Rush masterclass. Well done gentlemen.
To learn more about the Rush tribute group Mystic Rhythms, check out their official website.
