BLACKTOP MOJO is Back with More Killer Tracks

April 26, 2024April 26, 2024 Jennifer Colleen

Album Review by Larry Ritter

Anyone who is familiar with the Texas blues rockers, Blacktop Mojo, know that they are a unique blend of rock-n-roll, blues, grunge, country…awe hell, they are as multi-faceted as any band on the scene today. Blacktop Mojo can do it all and their live performances may be the best part of anything that they do!

However, the five-piece band can also lay down some tracks and that is exactly what they did with their fifth full-length album “POLLEN”. The eleven-tune compilation shows off the collective talent of the five-piece band. by

Matt James, the lead vocalist, proves that he deserves to be listed among the top singers of the day. Not only does James have a stout voice he also has a perfect delivery that has a passion and love for what he does. The four gentlemen who perform behind him are truly professional and collaborate well with one another.

Guitarists Ryan Kiefer and Malcolm Booher handle their six strings like virtuosos. They show their talents whether it was with pure power or acoustically, the tandem put their talents on full display. Meanwhile the rhythm section of Matt Curtis (bassist) and drummer Nathan Gillis produced an exceptionally stunning power for the Texan quintet.

“POLLEN” begins with ‘The End Is Gonna Come’ a tune that is a perfect way to kick things off. James is on top of things with his soothing vocals that highlight the range of his work. ‘Weary I Roam’ immediately has a little more energy and gives the listener more toe-tapping enthusiasm. ‘I Can’t Tell’ once again is a testimony to the wide variety of talent that Blacktop Mojo has. The tune, which has a grunge sound, is a song that will be easily remembered, it may be my favorite track on the album, and that is saying something on this release.

‘Please Don’t Call’ and ‘Red Enough’ are a unique consecutive set of songs. ‘Please Don’t Call’, has yet another grungelike sound while the latter tune boasts of a true Texan sound.

‘Rise’ is highlighted by the fantastic string work of Booher and Kiefer before the band’s enthusiasm and energy kicks it up a notch with ‘As The Light Fades’.

‘Something’s Changed’ displays another genre in which Blacktop Mojo can handle as the song wraps a little blues with a touch of gospel into an emotionally beautiful tune. ’Shoulda Just Gone To Sleep’ closes out the album in only the way Blacktop Mojo can, a true country sound.