High-flying Kentucky rock’n’roll band Mojo Thunder release their sophomore album The Infinite Hope on the Friday 16 August. The first single "Holy Ghost” debuts today. Stream the song HERE.
Written by guitarist Bryson Willoughby, the scorching barnburner tells the tale of a preacher who uses his power and position in his community to sow discord and create chaos.
Of "Holy Ghost", Willoughby says, "Small town preachers are a community staple. This one inflates his sense of being by claiming a moral authority made permissible by a relationship with God. Scared of change and losing privilege, he makes an enemy out of progress, which manifests itself in a murder for hire."
Produced by Duane Lundy (Ringo Starr, Justin Wells, Sturgill Simpson) at the Lexington Recording Co., The Infinite Hope sees Mojo Thunder crafting their most diverse soundscapes, not only leaning into the nostalgic rock foundation of their 2021 debut album, Hymns from The Electric Church, but their more modern influences like Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket and Radiohead as well.
"We all shared the desire to do things as a unit, to perform, to mine for as many dynamics and emotion in their performances, but still putting the priority on the songs," says Lundy about the recording process. "The lyrics are thoughtful and meaningful, something that I feel like is often slighted in current rock material, but my main takeaway was the quality of people they are. Their invitation meant a great deal to me, and I feel like I have four new family members."
Additionally, Willoughby shares, "We're finding our footing musically where we don't have to rely on old tropes so much. With this record we wanted to showcase all of our influences instead of relegating ourselves into one particular place."
On the album’s 10 tracks the band, comprised of Bryson Willoughby (guitar), Sean Sullivan (vocals), Zac Shoopman (drums), and Andrew Brockman (bass), explores everything from the dark side of activism (“Holy Ghost”) and civil rights (“Memphis”) to the healing power of a live concert experience (“Greetings from Western Art”) and the feeling of not being enough (“Step by Step”).
A definitive journey of growth, the project sees the band as their most authentic selves yet as they push themselves — and their listeners — to be the best versions of themselves.
"Despite all the lows and bad experiences, people are tenacious, and we press ourselves to reach our highest ideals," says Willoughby. "Despite what has happened, is happening or will happen, there's always some reason to keep pushing — like an infinite hope — to get you through."
In support of the record the band will perform a select run of Kentucky concerts leading up to its release prior to embarking on a month-long European tour that includes stops in Germany, France, Spain and more. Full details can be found at mojothunder.com.
In addition to the band’s core lineup, The Infinite Hope also features contributions from Seth Murphy (cello on "The Sun Still Rises" and "Grace"), Lee Carroll (organ on “Memphis” and “Greetings From Western Art”), and Duane Lundy (synthesizers and keyboards).
Founded as an edgy, hard rock band in 2018, Mojo Thunder have built up a rabid fanbase in the time since with its enthralling live shows and down-to-earth humility. During that time the band has become one of the most entertaining new acts to emerge from Kentucky — a state otherwise known for its bluegrass and country music — opening for the likes of All Them Witches, Justin Wells and Tyler Childers.
Comentarios