Album Review: Blacktop Mojo – Blacktop Mojo (Self Released)

Formed in late 2012 by vocalist Matt James and drummer Nathan Gillis in the small East Texas town of Palestine, Blacktop Mojo’s fiery blend of sludgy grooves, classic rock guitar riffs, and southern metal shredding falls somewhere between Soundgarden and Lynyrd Skynyrd to form a sound deemed by some as “Texas Grunge”.

On the 13th August 2021, Blacktop Mojo will release their brand-new self-titled album.

Anyone that has heard any of Blacktop Mojo’s hugely successful releases before this will be very aware of just how infectious this band’s sound is. Aware of just how infectious the blend of Southern rock and metal, touches of blues and stadium groove is.

The good news? This new release is just as stupidly catchy and memorable as ever. Kicking off with the sexy groove of Wicked Woman, where the riffs are powerful enough to knock you down and a hyper-active guitar solo is there to pick you back up.

A moody tempo but with a kick-ass chorus, Bed Tundy is another early banger. Followed by the mellow Southern groove of Latex and the building energetic beat of Rewind. A trio of classy bangers that ensures everyone knows that Blacktop Mojo are just as strong as ever.

The first half of the album keeps the powerful rock vibes at the forefront with the athemic Jealousy. As the short and mellow Make Believe (Interlude) gives time to take a breather but flowing nicely into the soft guitar strumming and soulful vocals of Darlin’ I Won’t Tell. Give it a moment though as this track ‘heavies’ up in the chorus nicely.

Talking of which… Do It for the Money guitar riffs are deep and dirty sounding, Hold Me Down is dripping in Southern rock good time vibes and Cough is as grungy as this album is going to get. Which does make for a nice contrast to everything heard so far.

It’s such a blast, but Blacktop Mojo aren’t quite done with the heavyweight bangers yet. The penultimate track, Stratus Melancholia has moodiness running through it like a thick vein, yet the band still manage to turn it into another anthem. Whereas the finale, Tail Lights, is relaxed and reflective rock melody goodness.

Is there a better band doing this kind of music in the modern times? It’s hard to argue that there is.

Blacktop Mojo – Blacktop Mojo Full Track Listing:

1. Wicked Woman
2. Bed Tundy
3. Latex
4. Rewind
5. Jealousy
6. Make Believe (Interlude)
7. Darlin’ I Won’t Tell
8. Do It for the Money
9. Hold Me Down
10. Cough
11. Stratus Melancholia
12. Tail Lights

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