Their set at The Railhouse Bar was a powerful showcase of Texas Southern rock prowess that left the crowd roaring for more. From the moment the band hit the stage, their energy was infectious, and the audience’s excitement was palpable. Blacktop Mojo, known for its blend of classic rock influences and modern edge, delivered a performance that was both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. Their setlist was a well-curated mix of fan favorites and newer tracks; each one delivered with a raw intensity that highlighted their impressive musicianship. Seriously, you can’t but move along with the band as they play. They are infectious.

Lead vocalist Matt James commanded the stage with a commanding presence, his voice soaring effortlessly over the roaring guitars and thunderous drums. His dynamic performance was matched by the tight, synchronized efforts of the rest of the band. The band’s cohesion was evident as they seamlessly transitioned between high-energy rock anthems and more introspective ballads. You also add in their stage presence and bass guitarist Matt Curtis, bouncing all over the stage as he’s playing every note. It is an electrifying set. I probably took half of my photos of Curtis on Friday night, as he was so emotive and entertaining.

One standout moment was their performance of “Burn the Ships,” which showcased the band’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with powerful instrumentation. The emotional intensity of the song was palpable, drawing the audience in and eliciting a collective sing-along that created a unifying moment in the concert. Blacktop Mojo’s ability to connect with their audience through both their music and performance was evident throughout the evening, with the crowd responding with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

The concert was a testament to the band’s skill and charisma, leaving fans eager to participate in their next live performance. Blacktop Mojo once again proved that they are a formidable force in the rock scene, capable of delivering a high-octane, emotionally resonant show that fans will remember for years. As a photographer, I believe their show is one of the best to photograph. You feel every note they play, and they are all passionate and want to showcase the emotion of every note they play—a concert photographer’s dream. I can’t wait until next time. As always, Support Texas Music.

Blacktop Mojo Makes A Pitstop At The Railhouse Bar In Kyle, Texas on September 13th, 2024

September 15, 2024
International Concert Reviews
by Jalys Caro Photographer/Writer

Blacktop Mojo stopped by The Railhouse Bar on Friday the 13th to perform a highly intense, high-energy show.

It’s no secret some of the best bands on the planet are from Texas. Blacktop Mojo is one of those bands. Hell, just some of the bands/artists that have come from the area Blacktop Mojo is from (Palestine, Texas, not too far from Tyler, Texas) have produced such musicians as Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Koe Wetzel, Whiskey Myers, Kolby Cooper, and plenty more! There must be something in that East Texas water to produce that much talent.

Friday night was no different as three bands from around Texas took the stage at The Railhouse Bar. A newer band from the Austin, Texas, area, Southbound Echoes, opened the show and entertained the crowd in anticipation of Blacktop Mojo taking the stage.

Despite being newcomers, Southbound Echoes demonstrated impressive passion for their music. Bands all have to start somewhere, and they are definitely starting with a bang. I enjoyed the lead singer’s voice, and I hope to see them at different shows and festivals in the future.

The band’s ability to engage with the crowd as a newly formed band was immediately apparent. They displayed a lot of talent in their set and gave a glimpse of what is to come in the future. As their set came to a close, Southbound Echoes left the stage to roaring applause and a crowd of new fans.

Next up was Joint Custody, a band from Tyler, Texas. Their sound is a nice mixture of rock and country. They are also a newish band to hit the scene. They released their first single in 2020 and have been making the rounds, gaining new fans wherever they can find them.

The band played several original songs and even played a Marcus King cover. Their 45-minute set continued to entertain the crowd on a sweaty September night in Kyle, Texas. By the end of their set, they put all their heart and soul into the concert and left everything on stage. Make sure to check these guys out at a venue near you.

Joint Custody Bandmembers:

Sean Berry – Lead Singer and Guitarist

Tyler Dudley – Guitar

Austin Dudley – Bassist

Correy Davis – Drums

Next, it was showtime for Blacktop Mojo.

Blacktop Mojo Bandmembers:

Matt James – Lead Vocals

Nathan Gillis – Drums

Matt Curtis – Bass, Backing Vocals

Ryan Kiefler – Rhythm Guitar

Blacktop Mojo Setlist:

1.) Weary

2.) The End Is Gonna Come

3.) Where The Wind Blows

4.) I Am

5.) Trouble On The Rise

6.) Them Bones

7.) Burn The Ships

8.) I Can’t Tell

9.) The End

10.) Can’t Sleep

11.) Red Enough

12.) It Won’t Last

Follow Southbound Echoes Online:

Follow Joint Custody Online:

Follow Blacktop Mojo Online:

Jalys Caro Photographer/Writer

Hi!

I’m Jalys. Music and concert photographer located in Austin, TX. I graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Photocommunications. Pretty cool, right? An Instagram degree before Instagram was cool!

I enjoy traveling around Texas, and taking photos of bands and musicians. Texas has so many awesome venues, and I want to photograph any that I can. Music has always been a major part of my life, and while a student at Texas Tech, I knew that I wanted to specialize in music photography. I have lived in the Austin area for over twelve years and have been able to photograph so many cool bands. Let’s add yours to the list!

When I’m not photographing, I’m probably working at my day job as a University Recruiter for a manufacturing facility. I travel quite often for work and love visiting college campuses! I enjoy hanging out with my husband, our 3 dogs (Ryder, Carter, and Tucker), our adopted cat, Allie, and our families. Follow me on Instagram! You will get to see all the pet photos you can stomach. My handle is @j.bcaro.

Blacktop Mojo Makes A Pitstop At The Railhouse Bar In Kyle, Texas on September 13th, 2024

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