Album review: BLACKTOP MOJO – Pollen
Facebook [Release date 05.04.24]
This reviewer loved Blacktop Mojo’s last album, 2021′s self-titled release and expectations are high for this new one. The band’s line-up has had one change since with guitarist Chuck Wepfer being replaced by Malcolm Booher. He joins the rest of Blacktop Mojo’s line-up, namely vocalist Matt James, guitarist Ryan Kiefer, bassist Matt Curtis and drummer Nathan Gillis.
There have been four singles released ahead of the album, the last of these being the radio friendly ‘I Can’t Tell’. The first song released from ‘Pollen’ was ‘Red Enough’, a song that typifies the band’s sound – a heady mix of grunge, southern rock and always that focus on melodies that connect with the listener. Another hit single that never was…
‘As The Light Fades’ has guitarist Rob McNelley (Eric Church, Luke Combs) guesting and given this song has a distinct Bob Seger feel, it comes as no surprise to read that McNelley has played in Bob Seger’s band.
Adding in female backing vocals, a soupcon of Hammond and Blacktop Mojo have themselves a classic song! Also in that retro 70s vibe is the gentle ‘Like Wild Horse’, a song that highlights Matt James’s vocal prowess. Lovely guitar and piano & organ on this one too.
Whisper it quietly but ‘Shoulda Just Gone To Sleep’ rivals Nickelback at their best (or worst depending on how you feel about Nickelback!). Another song with a strong riff and melody, plus a passionate vocal.
There is plenty to enjoy and variety on the album, including ‘Something’s Changed’, which sees the band off down a soul route with great success. One things for sure Blacktop Mojo are one talented bunch of musicians.
Yep, Blacktop Mojo have done it again with an album high on quality and melody. If ever a band had a breakout album this is it. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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