BLACKTOP MOJO LIVE AT THE WEBSTER UNDERGROUND

Blacktop Mojo came a-calling to Ct. this past week. They played an audacious set at the famed Webster Underground in Hartford. Blacktop Mojo is a five piece dynamic steamroller that transforms the stage into a visual and aural jubilee. The band romps around the dais like devilish maniacs. All the while, their musicianship is outstanding. Blacktop Mojo is known for their powerful live shows and once again they did not disappoint.

Blacktop Mojo is based out of Palestine, Tx. and is comprised of Matt James (Vocals/Guitar), Nathan Gillis (Drums), Matt Curtis (Bass), Chuck Wepfer (Guitar). Also Malcolm Booher (Guitar) filled in for Ryan Keifer who couldn’t make this leg of the tour. They describe their music as “Texas Grunge” which encompasses many genres including hard rock, southern blues and grunge. Think Soungarden mixed with the Allman Brothers with a dash of Aerosmith. Blacktop recently released a bodacious new album, Blacktop Mojo, which  AMP reviewed in August. We described the record as

“Blacktop Mojo is a ferocious beast of an album. It is full of intense fury and sonic explosions“.

—AMP

As to the show, Blacktop started off strong, diving right into their big hit off the new full length, “Wicked Women”. Immediately the audience knew it was going to be an incredible night. James’ voice was on point and the band’s energy was through the roof. Curtis strutted all across the stage like a crazed lunatic invigorating the crowd. Both Wepfer and Booher’s guitars were on fire, each playing off each other. “Wicked Women’ was monstrous.

Next up was “Lay It on Me”. Blacktop played the hard hitting tune off their 2019 album, Under The Sun, with ferocious guitar riffs and pounding percussions. The whole band was stalking the stage laying down an imposing wave of sound. Even though it was only their second song, the throng went ballistic, Blacktop kept the intensity flowing with the “End of Days” with its impressive guitar solos and intoxicating beat. “Bed Tundy” followed and now the room was ecstatic. The groove laden boogie had a funky cadence and voracious vitality.

Throughout the set James worked the room. His on-stage banter kept the audience entertained and engaged. His prelude to “Do It for the Money” was perfect and heartfelt. The song’s grungy feel hit with gnarly fervor. The impassioned “The Void” was fiery and stirring. James’ vocals were dramatically emotive and full of roused zeal. The guitars wailed and Cutis’ bass hit amazing outbursts of textures. Gillis’ drums pummeled with brassy dexterity.

Blacktop then went into a softer mold playing the Temptations’ cover, “My Girl”. It was just James and guitarist Wepfer. It was a delightful interlude which went into a stripped down version of “Why”. The ballad packed a lush yet stalwart punch. Blacktop came back with the grunge with “Come Get Your Coat”. It’s a rampaging beast of a song that translated well live..

The band continued the assault with the dark and addictive “Burn the Ships” which had the crowd feeling the fire. After “All Mine Now”,  Blacktop Mojo went into one of my favorite songs, “Tail Lights”, which is plainly spectacular. The ballad showcases James’ stirring voice and the band’s musical prowess. They closed out with two stellar compositions. Blacktop played an animated cover of ZZ Top’s “Tush” which was definitely a fan favorite. They ended with a killer version of “Where the Wind Blows” that tore the house down.

Blacktop Mojo are fierce contenders for best live band. Their show was breathtaking and full of captivating excitement. Do not miss them when they play your town.

This won’t be the last live review of Blacktop. You’ll get another perspective when AMP’s Kate Carroll submits her review of their Providence, R.I. concert.

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To learn more about Blacktop Mojo, check out their website

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