There’s something really cool about seeing a band like Blacktop Mojo in a room like the one at Live at Hub City Vinyl in Hagerstown, Maryland. There are no barricades blocking off the fans, no giant video screens and no production tricks hiding behind a wall of lights. Just a band, a stage, and a crowd packed in close enough to feel every riff rumble in their chests.
On June 17, it was one of those nights that reminds you why smaller venues still matter as Blacktop Mojo rolled into town carrying their blend of Southern rock, post-grunge grit, and heavy blues swagger, while openers Anything But Human got the room moving early and set the tone for what became a loud, sweaty, and thoroughly satisfying evening of rock and roll.
Anything But Human wasted little time making their presence known. The Dallas TX based band attacked their set with confidence and purpose, blending modern hard rock with enough melody to keep heads nodding throughout the room. Their energy felt genuine and that authenticity connected quickly with the audience.
What stood out most was how comfortable they looked on stage. Opening slots can be tough. People are still arriving, grabbing drinks, finding friends, and settling into the night. Anything But Human didn’t seem bothered by any of that. They played like the room was already full and hanging on their every note.
By the end of their set, many in the audience were doing exactly that.
Then, while the stagehands prepared the stage for the headliner, everyone could sense the anticipation building steadily. Blacktop Mojo has spent 15 years building a loyal following the old-fashioned way. They’ve toured relentlessly, released consistently strong records, and developed a reputation for delivering live performances that often exceed expectations. That’s not always easy in modern rock, where hype frequently outruns reality.
The band walked onstage and immediately launched into “Burn the Ships,” a perfect opener that established the night’s mood within seconds. The song arrived like a freight train rolling through downtown Hagerstown, powered by thick guitars and the unmistakable voice of front man Matt James. His vocal style remains one of Blacktop Mojo’s greatest strengths. He can roar when needed, but he also understands restraint, allowing melodies to breathe before bringing the hammer down.
Watch a bass play through of “Burn the Ships” by Blacktop Mojo on YouTube:
“Come Get Your Coat” followed and kept the momentum climbing. The groove felt loose but controlled, like a muscle car taking a curve just a little faster than it probably should. That’s part of Blacktop Mojo’s appeal, as their songs often carry a rough-edged confidence and a feral power.
By the time they reached “Wicked Woman,” the audience had fully settled into the ride. Fans near the stage sang along while others nodded in appreciation of the band’s tight musicianship. Live at Hub City Vinyl’s intimate setup amplified every reaction. You could see smiles spread across faces as favorite songs appeared in the set.
One of the night’s strongest stretches came with “Weary I Roam” and a new song, “Gut Shot.” Both songs highlighted the band’s ability to blend heaviness with storytelling. Southern rock has always been rooted in narrative. Whether it’s dusty highways, heartbreak, redemption, or bad decisions made under neon lights, the best songs paint pictures. Blacktop Mojo continues that tradition while adding modern hard rock muscle.
“Can’t Sleep” brought a darker atmosphere to the room. The song’s tension simmered beneath the surface before exploding into a powerful chorus. Moments like that revealed why the band has continued gaining traction over the years. They understand dynamics. Loud is great, but loud means more when it follows something quieter.
Then came “Watch Me Drown,” one of the evening’s emotional highlights. The performance felt particularly intense in the close quarters of the venue. Every lyric landed with added weight.
Watch the official lyric video for “Watch Me Drown” by Blacktop Mojo on YouTube:
The thing about Blacktop Mojo is they’re often grouped with Southern rock bands, and that’s fair to a point. But their sound stretches well beyond that label. There are traces of grunge, classic hard rock, blues, and even alternative influences woven throughout their catalog. That variety kept the set feeling fresh.
“Tail Lights” and “Time The Killer” showcased those strengths beautifully. The songs carried a sense of movement, almost cinematic in places, while maintaining the band’s trademark grit. They felt road-tested, polished through years of touring and hundreds of performances.
Midway through the set, the room had reached that sweet spot every concert hopes to find. The crowd was fully engaged and the band was locked in and nobody seemed interested in checking phones or wandering away for another drink. Everyone was present.
That’s becoming increasingly rare.
“The Void” delivered one of the heaviest moments of the night, shaking the room with thick guitar tones and thunderous rhythm work. The band’s chemistry was impossible to miss. Every member contributed without stepping on anyone else’s space. It’s a balance that only develops after years of playing together.
“Where the Wind Blows” shifted gears slightly and offered one of the evening’s most melodic moments. The contrast worked perfectly. Blacktop Mojo understands pacing, and their set list reflected that understanding from beginning to end.
“It Won’t Last” continued the strong run before the band moved into “Prodigal.” If there was a centerpiece performance of the evening, this was probably it. The song captured everything that makes Blacktop Mojo compelling: powerful vocals, memorable hooks, emotional honesty, and enough grit to keep things grounded.
Watch the official music video for “It Won’t Last” by Blacktop Mojo on YouTube:
By then, the audience knew the night was heading toward its final chapter. Still, nobody was quite prepared for what came next.
Closing with Aerosmith’s “Dream On” has become something of a signature move for Blacktop Mojo, and for good reason. Their interpretation manages to respect the original while feeling distinctly their own. Cover songs can sometimes feel like obligatory crowd-pleasers, but this one felt different.
As Matt James navigated the song’s soaring vocal lines, the room grew noticeably quieter. When the song reached its climactic final section, voices from throughout the venue joined together. For a few minutes, Live at Hub City Vinyl felt much larger. Then it was over.
Well, almost.
The crowd lingered. That’s usually a good indicator of how a night went, because nobody seemed in a hurry to leave.
For a Wednesday night in Hagerstown, it felt like a pretty good reminder of why live music remains such a powerful force. An opener making new fans. A touring band delivering exactly what people came to hear, in a room full of strangers connected by loud guitars and shared songs.
Not a bad way to spend an evening at Live at Hub City Vinyl. Not bad at all.
Setlist
1. Burn the Ships
2. Come Get Your Coat
3. Wicked Woman
4. Weary I Roam
5. Gut Shot
6. Can’t Sleep
7. Watch Me Drown
8. Tail Lights
9. Time The Killer
10. The Void
11. Where the Wind Blows
12. It Won’t Last
13. Prodigal
14. Dream On
Here are some photos of Blacktop Mojo performing live at Hub City Vinyl on June 17, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/Odd Rocker Photography.
Here are some photos of Anything But Human performing live at Hub City Vinyl on June 17, 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Michael Sprouse/Odd Rocker Photography.
