SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FOGHAT – SONIC MOJO

FOGHAT
SONIC MOJO
FOGHAT RECORDS

Foghat formed in England in 1971, but really found their success in North America. Since their debut in 1971 they have had numerous hit singles but were mainly an album band and had several albums well received by fans and critics. They dominated the FM radio stations during the 1970s. Over the years members have changed, and for their new album, Sonic Mojo, only drummer Roger Earl remains from the original lineup. Their current line-up includes Bryan Bassett (guitars), Rodney O’Quinn (bass), and Scott Holt (vocals, guitar). Sonic Mojo is their first studio album since the very successful Under The Influence (2016), and in some ways picks up where that album left off.

Foghat has been touring a great deal and as such they have a very tight and unified sound. The music is different from the Foghat of old, but that makes sense given the line-up is not what it was in the past. In terms of Sonic Mojo, the opening track “Little Bit Of Everything” is exactly what is delivered on the album. The song itself is the perfect entry into the album, with a strong melody, clever lyrics, and an excellent guitar solo. But it is not straight ahead hard rock, or a blues jam. It is a well-structured rock song. And that is true of the album. They dip their toes in other genres throughout, but this is a blues-infused rock album.

“I Wish I Had Been There” is a case in point. This is more country than rock, although the solos and build-up are there, but at the heart of the song one hears country/rock and “Song For Life” has an Eagles vibe flowing through it. These songs fit nicely in the Foghat catalogue yet they do provide something a little different for fans and that is always certainly welcomed. At other times the band lets loose with their brand of hard-driving rock. Their cover of “Mean Woman Blues” is an excellent example. But it is “Black Days, Blue Nights” where the band revs up to full throttle. Fans craving their older sound will appreciate this one.

 Sonic Mojo closes with some fine southern boogie on “Promised Land”. This is what Foghat does so well, and the interplay of guitars is fantastic. That can be said throughout the album. The musicianship is top of the line and the band gives it their all, whether with a song they wrote or one they covered. Some songs borrow from other artists, such as “Drive On”, which would not be out of place on a ZZ Top album.

A band with the history of Foghat has very little to prove in their long career. And yet, as a band, they make sure that their albums are of a high quality and fans enjoy the music. They are not trying to reinvent the wheel this far into the game, but they do incorporate little differences and new styles to keep things interesting. Sonic Mojo is a well-crafted album, and if FM radio still existed today, this would be a radio staple.

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