High-flying Kentucky rock’n’roll band Mojo Thunder release their sophomore album, The Infinite Hope, on Friday 16th August. Debuting before that, and out now, is their latest single, ‘Step by Step‘.
A tight grooved rhythm with an infectious singalong vibe, ‘Step By Step’ it’s hardly surprising it was written by Mojo Thunder’s rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist Sean Sullivan. Bursting with pop sensibilities, the song’s intent is to find a way to turn despair and loneliness into a triumphant stadium-ready anthem.
“‘Step By Step’ is about the duality of desiring to be with someone, but also not knowing what to do once you have them,” said Sullivan. “It’s about the fear and anxiety of being alone or not being enough. It’s a reminder that you must keep moving forward, putting one foot in front of the other.”
Drummer Zac Shoopman added, “It’s probably the first song that indicated a real shift in direction. ‘Step By Step’ ticks off a lot of boxes that we were yearning for.”
From Sullivan’s vocal delivery, the infectious guitar lines played by Bryson Willoughby, and the steady groove heavy rhythm section supplied by Shoopman and bass guitarist Andrew Brockman ‘Step by Step’ does indeed ticks off a lot of boxes.
You can stream the new single here and watch the ‘Step By Step’ music video here at RAMzine.
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 emotions in performances, but still putting the priority on the songs,” said 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 noted, “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.”
The Infinite Hope features the tracks: ‘The Sun Still Rises’, ‘Coming Back To You’, ‘Step By Step’, ‘Let it Fall’, ‘Holy Ghost’, Memphis’, ‘Caroline’, ‘Gettin’ On A Binge’, ‘Grace’ and ‘Greetings from Western Art’.
On the album’s ten tracks the band 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’).
“Despite all the lows and bad experiences, people are tenacious, and we press ourselves to reach our highest ideals,” said 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.”
Following concerts in the USA leading up to the album’s release prior to embarking on a month-long European tour (Full details can be found at mojothunder.com).
In addition to the band’s core line-up, 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 (synthesisers and keyboards).
Founded as an edgy, hard rock band in 2018, Mojo Thunder has 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.
Early studio efforts include two singles, and an EP titled Loose Lips released back on the 9th June in 2019. The debut album, Hymns From The Electric Church, came out on 24th May 24th, 2021. Classic Rock Magazine described it as, “a stunner; a sun-dappled potpourri of everything good and true about American rock’n’roll, from crunching hard rock to soulful blues, from breezy cosmic Americana to head-bopping summertime arena-rock anthems.” It received a 9/10 review.
On 7th March 2023, the band released the live album Alive, With Friends that showcased the explementary qualities of the band’s live performance. It features guest appearances and extended versions of songs spanning from the first single through Hymns From The Electric Church. Recorded over two nights in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky, fans were invited to be a part of the band’s hometown audience. Supplemental videos from the performances, including non-album material, were released on the band’s YouTube channel.
The sophomore album, The Infinite Hope is released 16 August 2024. Fans of rock music will be pleased to see a return to familiar sounds while also ambitiously reaching for new heights. The southern American working-class ethos is put on full display with the newest release as it’s made clear that this is a band that will continue to grow and evolve.
‘Step By Step’ follows previous single ‘Holy Ghost’. Written by guitarist Bryson Willoughby, the barnburner tells the tale of a preacher who uses his power and position in his community to sow discord and create chaos.
“Small town preachers are a community staple, Willoughby began to explain. “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.”
The single’s timely arrival is a rock ‘n roll summer-soaked shout-out anthem that needs playing loud when you have your next barbeque. You can stream the song here and check out the official ‘Holy Ghost’ music video here at RAMzine.
You can order The Infinite Hope on CD and vinyl here, while digitally it can be ordered here. For more news on Mojo Thunder’s new album click here.
