A Blacktop Mojo concert is like diving headfirst into a Southern rock-infused sonic tornado. The Palestine, Texas five-piece definitely know how to captivate an audience!

From the second they hit the first chord, the band exuded a raw intensity that instantly grabbed hold of the crowd’s attention in a recent opening set for Clutch at The National in Richmond, Virginia.

Matt James’ soulful yet gritty vocals soared above the driving rhythms laid down by the rest of the band, creating a dynamic sound that was both powerful and emotive, at the National on April 26.

Guitarists Ryan Kiefer and Malcolm Booher traded blistering riffs and fiery solos, while high stepping bassist Matt Curtis and drummer Nathan Gillis provided a rock-solid foundation that propelled the music with relentless energy.

Highlights of the show included fan favorites like “Can’t Sleep” and “Wicked Woman,” as well as the rocking “Please Don’t Call,” a new track from their brand new album, Pollen.

Watch the official music video for “Wicked Woman” by Blacktop Mojo on YouTube:

A fiery cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” was a definite high point of the show. For the crowd, every Blacktop Mojo song felt like a standout moment thanks to the band’s electrifying stage presence and tight musicianship.

By the time the final chords rang out and the amps had been silenced, the exhilarated crowd erupted into applause and Blacktop Mojo had made a bunch of new fans!

Setlist

1. Where the Wind Blows
2. Burn the Ships
3. Stratus Melancholia
4. Please Don’t Call
5. Wicked Woman
6. Can’t Sleep
7. It Won’t Last
8. Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin cover)

Here are some photos of Blacktop Mojo opening Clutch at The National in Richmond, Virginia, on April 26, 2024. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse.