BLACKTOP MOJO – LIVE @ THE WEBSTER UNDERGROUND
For the second time in just about a year, Blacktop Mojo played a killer set at the Webster Underground in Hartford. AMP reviewed their previous show last October. That performance was amazing. This tour stop was even better. Blacktop‘s sound is a hybrid of melodic hard rock laced with elements of metal, pop, blues and southern bogie. Their wondrous music creates a spirit like no other. Blacktop‘s vibrant musicianship and dynamic stage presence envelopes their audiences in sheets of raucous delight.
Blacktop Mojo is fronted by of the ever exuberant Matt James on vocals. His voice has that perfect gnarly tone. It usually caries a powerful punch yet at times it can deliver a soulfully intimate feel. James’ on-stage demeanor is magnetic and totally animated. His affable personality emotes well and he easily captures the hearts of those in attendance. Bassist Matt Curtis is a madman. He paces the dias like a caged animal ready to attack. Curtis definitely demands your attention. In addition, his bass runs are sweeping.
BM‘s guitarists are also pummeling. Chuck Wepfer is a dynamo with voracious riffs and transcendent solos. Malcolm Booher is just as able. His guitar emits captivating layers of explosive vitality. The true hero of the band is drummer Nathan Gillis. His timing is impeccable and his gutsy style is bold. Every hit is explosive while packing a tenacious groove.
On this evening, Blacktop Mojo was on fire. The first song was their supersized hit, “Wicked Woman”. From the first note the crowd was ready. Fist flew and heads bobbed. The Underground was in for a treat. The band then powered through an amazing version of “Strike Me” followed by “End Of Days”. The crowd stood in total rapture as the boys of Blacktop were torching the venue. “Bed Tundy” came next and Matt James was feeling the heat.
“Do It For The Money” blued up the night. Curtis’ bass rattled with sonic fierceness. Gillis’ drums cracked with an incendiary fervor. The guitars were ruthless. James’ vocals were devastating, tossing out aural grenades of imperial majesty. “Pyromaniac” and “Can’t Sleep” continued the assault. Blacktop then slowed it down with a beautiful rendition of Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” which was one of the highlights of the set. Other songs included “Latex”, “Darlin’ I Won’t Tell” , “Lay It On Me”. and “Stratus Melancholia”.
Blacktop ended the night extremely strong. “Burn the Ships” was crushing. The entire band was full of kinetic energy and the audience loved every minute of it. “All Mine Now” hit hard and then to the delight of the house, they dove into ZZ Top’s “Tush”. And when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Blacktop Mojo finished with an unbelievable “Where The Wind Blows”.
What a show! Everyone enjoyed every second. If and when Blacktop Mojo returns to Ct, don’t walk but run. These gents from Texas are the real deal. Plus, they’re the nicest guys around. They love to mingle after the show and thank their fans. Love these guys.
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To learn more about Blacktop Mojo, check out their website
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