Blending killer guitar riffs, a tight percussion section and soaring vocals, hard rock powerhouse Blacktop Mojo are on their way to the top of the rock charts.
Hailing from Palestine, TX., Blacktop Mojo might just be the next big name in the hard rock genre. Following their debut album, I Am, in 2014, Blacktop Mojo are back with their second full-length album, Burn The Ships. Set to be released on March 10. on Cuhmon Records, this new album will prove to the hard rock world that Blacktop Mojo are a force to be reckoned with.
Consisting of vocalist Matt James, drummer Nathan Gillis, rhythm guitarist Kenneth Irwin, bassist Matt Curtis and guitarist Ryan Kiefer, Blacktop Mojo have been setting new standards for hard rock since 2012. It wasn’t long before they were sharing the stage with the artists such as Candlebox, Puddle of Mudd, Drowning Pool, Whiskey Myers and more.
Five years later, Blacktop Mojo’s Burn The Ships is an album that stands apart from most music in the rock genre. Unique guitar solos show up in each song allowing for listeners to hear a variety of styles from the band’s repertoire. Shredding riffs to melodic acoustic ballads also give listeners a taste of Blacktop Mojos distinct sound.
Songs such as, “Where the Wind Blows”, “Shadows on the Wall” and “Pyromaniac”, show off diverse solos, giving each listener a class in hard rock and melodic rock expertees.
There is a heavy percussion presence on the album with bass and drums taking the lead in pieces like “Prodigal”, “Burn the Ships” and “Chains”. This adds a depth to their sound, and proves that Blacktop Mojo are not afraid to allow their guitars to make way for hard rock percussion.
The vocals and harmonies of James show off his steady and melodic sounding tone that can go from gritty, to a soaring high style in moments. The gritty vocals from James in “Pyromaniac”, perfectly complement the lyrics, “I’m a powder keg of lies, stand back before I ignite, taste the sulfur in my kiss.”
Despite representing itself as being heavier, Blacktop Mojo show their fans a softer side of them on the record. One of the softer tracks on the record,“Underneath”, lends itself to being a beautiful ballad made up of James’ vocals and a soothing guitar melody to complement.
Similar at times to the style of Daughtry or Saving Abel, Blacktop Mojo are well on their way to a successful future with the release of Burn The Ships.
