Blacktop Mojo’s “Under The Sun”
Preorders available now at: www.blacktopmojo.com
Growth. Growth and full on life experience as this is the third album by a band who refuses to be boxed into just one genre.
“Lay It On Me”
Tribal percussion introduction grabbing the listener by both ears as only drummer and co-founding member, Nathan Gillis can do. Bassist Matt Curtis (Catt Murtis via social media, a clever twist being that there are two Matts in the band) drips his heavy molasses tones over and through, while guitarists Ryan Kiefer and Chuck Wepfer attack from both sides with razor precision. This amalgamation of auditory stimulation is a stunning 20 second warning to buckle up tight.
“Set It Free”
Saunters into the second track slot with a funk and scream that brings a little Jane’s Addiction to this reviewer’s brain matter. The message is that if you love something, set it free. The hook digging deep, however, guarantees this song won’t be that something.
“Come Get Your Coat”
Is a sweet little tale of the naughty, raunchy, sexy side of life. Just try to keep it down.
“Keep”
Has a darker lyric, a deeper riff. Lead vocalist Matt James has questions and demands answers. Period.
“It Won’t Last”
Smoky whiskey straight up. Deep angst thick in a mire of blues with a chaser of sharp broken glass.
“All Mine Now”
Testifying their manifesto directly into the faces of any who dared to doubt. I might add this is one of the rare times when all five members of the band sing in unison with the harmony of deliberate self proclamation.
“Can’t Sleep”
Has been interwoven into vari
“The Lashing”
Opens with a haunting riff promising an undulating ride of slippery double entendres with heavy percussion, cutting guitars, and a bass line not to be ignored. Promise kept.
“The Void”
Incorporates ALL this band has to offer to date: acoustic clarity, powerhouse tandem guitar symmetry, percussion delivered by a master of his own beat, bass in the foreground being not only heard but physically felt and Matt James’ vocals. A chameleon of fluctuation.
“Under The Sun”
IS Rock and Roll. Pure and complicated. Because there is nothing simplistic about what this band of walking chemistry does.
As all things sprout to fruition via a seedling of an idea, so too did Blacktop Mojo.
One particular young mind kept music in the recesses while completing his college degree with honors; vocalist extraordinaire and front man Matt James.
James and drummer Nathan Gillis eventually crossed paths, thus the beginning. From a seedling dream into a full blown power plant.
Additions of phenom guitarist Ryan Kiefer, show stopping bassist Matt Curtis and most recently, commanding guitarist Chuck Wepfer complete the creation.
In its relatively short iteration, this band of brothers have not only captured an audience completely unaware of the need to be captured, but a steadily and rapidly growing hard core dedicated fan base titled “Mojo Nation” to be found on Facebook and at every live show.
This reviewer sees no summit in their climb.
And there you have it! Blacktop Mojo will be supporting Buckcherry this fall. Check out the tour dates below:
Tue. 9/17- Empire Control Room & Garage in Austin, Texas
Wed. 9/18- Speaking Rock Entertainment Center in El Paso, Texas
Fri. 9/20- Heritage Hall in Ardmore, Oklahoma
Sat. 9/21- Temple Live in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Sun. 9/22- Wildcatter Saloon in Katy, Texas
Tue. 9/24- Margaritaville Resort & Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana
Thu. 9/26- House of Rock in Corpus Christi, Texas
Sat. 9/28- The Cannery in Lindale, Texas
Blacktop Mojo headlining gigs:
Sun. 9/29- The Shrine in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tue. 10/1- Gabe’s in Iowa City, Iowa
Wed. 10/2- Fubar in St. Louis, Missouri
Fri. 10/4- Spillway Bar and Grill in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Sat. 10/5- Exit 40 at Highway 62 in Kuttawa, Kentucky (w/Molly Hatchet, Lionize, and Marshall Tucker Band)
Sun. 10/6- Stickyz Rock-n-Roll Chicken Shack in Little Rock, Arkansas
Fri. 10/25- Freaker’s Ball at Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, Texas
Sat. 10/26- KATTFest at the Zoo Amphitheatre in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
For tickets and further information on any of the gigs listed above, click here.
Fans can find Blacktop Mojo at the following locations:
