CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY: Evan J. Thomas had the opportunity to photograph and cover Blacktop Mojo at The Forge in Joliet, IL. Check out his photos and review of the show. - READ IT HERE

Fresh off of their new release of their self titled fourth studio album (see my 1 Minute Album Review)  just the other day the "Texas Grunge" band brought their Texas swagger once again to The Forge in Joliet, IL.  

The stage presence Blacktop Mojo has is one of the best I have ever seen and that is saying a lot with all the shows I have covered.  From the "Matt James Stomp" as I have tapped it to the strut across the stage of bassist Catt Murtis and the exciting back and forth duels of guitarists Ryan Kiefer and Chuck Wepfer as well as the man pounding on the drum kit Nathan Gillis has his own style.  These guys are on top of their game and they are a must see show when they come to town.  Lucky for me I got to see them twice in the past week with Sheboygan, WI at Brat Days being the other.  

Blacktop Mojo had a jam packed 1 1/2 hour set on this Sunday night and they mixed in a handful of their new songs off the album like the bangers "Wicked Woman", "Do it for the Money" and the soulful "Tail Lights" and favorites from their first few albums like "End of Days", "Where the Wind Blows" and my personal favorite "Burn The Ships".  We even got a bad ass rendition of the Aerosmith cover of "Dream On".  I haven't seen them perform that song live in a few years and Matt James absolutely killed the high parts that would put to shame most other vocalists.  

There isn't much more adoration I can give this band and what they bring to the table.  They have a very dedicated fan base with the Mojo Nation, they have a top notch social media presence, they put on one hell of a live show and they are five of the most down to earth guys you will ever talk to. 

Check out my interview with vocalist Matt James on the Bad Ass Podcast, the 1 Minute Album Review and my photography from the show, all below.

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