Album review: BLACKTOP MOJO – Blacktop Mojo

Self-released [Release date 13.08.21]

Blacktop Mojo are a new name to this reviewer, however, the band have been around since 2012 and this is their fourth album. Blacktop Mojo consists if Matt James (vocals), Ryan Kiefer (guitar), Chuck Wepfer (guitar), Matt Curtis (bass) and Nathan Gillis (drums).

They have been described as ‘southern grunge’, which sums up some of their sound, as they come across like a mixture of Soundgarden, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackstone Cherry. Part of the appeal of this album is that although parts remind you of other artists, they have their own sound and certainly play to their strengths throughout the album, be it the vocals of Matt James or guitar playing of Ryan Kiefer and Chuck Wepfer.

‘Do It For The Money’ is like Sabbath jamming with Soundgarden on a gospel revival number. Sounds a tad mixed up but works a treat in the capable hands of Blacktop Mojo. ‘Rewind’ would give Nickelback a run for their money – a real instant hit on the old ears!

Elsewhere ‘Bed Tundy’ is a serious bit of a head shaker, whilst on ‘Hold Me Down’ their love of southern rock shines through. The organ and guitars combo on this is divine. The album really doesn’t have a down moment, as even the short ‘Make Believe (Interlude)’ is a classy piece of vocals and acoustics.

‘Stratus Melancholia’ is a neat piece of grunge fuelled rock, with ‘Tail Lights’ closing off the album on a definite high. A slow bluesy number, mixing Hammond and gentle guitar parts, this is a winner. Surprised it didn’t give them a bigger hit over in the US.

Blacktop Mojo have a winner on their hands with this album and don’t let this one slip by as they have classy songs in spades on here. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)