It was the first time across the pond for both Blacktop Mojo and Shaman’s Harvest, and they each left a packed Cathouse charmed and begging for more.
You could tell from the atmosphere in the packed-out room that each and every person that was in there had waited a long time to see these bands grace UK stages. Cathouse was so full that night that moving was practically impossible but the exciting buzz that was in the air had me knowing that this was a gig I’m glad I wasn’t missing.
The crowd erupted as first band of the night Blacktop Mojo took their place on the stage. Hailing from a small town in East Texas it was clear to see how impressed the band were at the fact that the audience seemed to know every single word.
With a soulful raw rock sound, this is one of those bands that what you see is what you get, a group of dudes on a stage rocking out and giving their all. The Texas group have been around for over a decade and the chemistry they have built together doesn’t go unnoticed.
Looking around I could see that not a single person was standing still as the Southern rock rolled through the room. I didn’t think it was possible for the energy to pick up even more, but I was proved wrong when Blacktop Mojo did their own take of Alice In Chains ‘Them Bones’, showing that they really can make any song their own.
We were even treated to a live version of Blacktop Mojo’s song ‘Rise’ which saw Shaman’s Harvest vocalist Nathan Hunt take his place next to Matt James for the song that they released together.
After a little break between bands the atmosphere on stage took a new life as ‘Red Hands Black Deeds’ pounded over the speakers. The members of Shaman’s Harvest took their places on the stage as if they had always belonged there.
Suddenly we were met with a band that deliver a performance that is so completely compelling and intoxicating. I have to say Shaman’s Harvest are so different from any band I have ever watched before with tracks like ‘Bird Dog’ being so raw and real that I almost felt like I had entered another dimension, leaving the real world behind.
Shaman’s Harvest don’t just have intense tracks in their discography though, songs like the hard rock energised ‘Dangerous’ gave everyone a chance to let loose and have a boogie, and this is even more true for their new single ‘Rock n Roll Queen’. The super addictive chorus had everyone singing or dancing once again changing up the vibe in the room to a place that was fun and light-hearted.
Both bands over the night made a lasting impression on me and I’m sure everyone that attended Cathouse that night would say the same, and I can bet that they both would be welcomed back with open arms. Blacktop Mojo and Shaman’s Harvest both give the audience a show that makes you feel like you are witnessing something real and honest, they let the music speak for itself without any fancy frills or gimmicks. This was a powerful rock n roll experience, and if you get a chance to see either band live be prepared for a night you will not forget.