Review

American Mystic is the solo debut LP from John Shannon, leader of the instrumental group Waking Vision and former electric guitarist for psychedelic Sufi trance rocker Haale. It's a stripped-down, ethereal set: just an acoustic guitar and Shannon's whispered, barely-treated vocals. The track titles give some insight into Shannon's nature-first brand of mysticism ("Golden Eagle," "Butterfly," "Lion's Mane"), while the music itself slides neatly next to other 21st century hushed folksters like Damien Rice. An impressive and stately debut.