Mojobone - Cowboy Mode (2010)

If blues oriented heavy rock, with grooves that make it impossible not to get up and shake your moneymaker is what you’re after, then look no further. Mojobone, with their undeniably catchy hooks, sing along out loud choruses, and foot stomping rhythms, are guaranteed to have you captivated within the first moment they grace your ears with their presence.

“Cowboy Mode” marks the third release from the incomparable Mojobone. Formed in 1996 as a three piece, and first dubbed “Foodbox”, musical mastermind behind the project Per Wiberg (King Hobo, Spiritual Beggars, Opeth) started the band with a humble purpose in mind… to gather some friends to jam and record a few songs he had been working on for fun. The recording went better than anticipated and the band began to grow. In 1998, while recording six songs for their premiere “Tales From The Bone”, released on 10” vinyl, the name Mojobone was chosen and in March of 1999, history was made. Not only were Mojobone debuting their first official piece of music, but it was also the maiden voyage release on Wiberg’s very own label, Hippodome Music.

Over the course of the year, Mojobone played a handful of gigs and continued knocking out new songs to further their unique, psychedelic sound bringing some attention their way. In 2001, they were approached by the Japanese label JVC / Victor Entertainment to release a full-length studio album. Eager to jump at this opportunity for expansion, Mojobone wasted no time embarking on the recording of their second work of art, “Crossroad Message”, which was released in 2002, only in Japan.

The next 4 years became hectic for Wiberg due to a heavy touring schedule and other commitments, causing a dormant period for Mojobone. In 2006, Per decided to return to his pet-project and over the next 4 years, searched his soul and decided to bare it all while composing the very essence of funk. Together with his old friend, drummer Marcus Kallstrom, “Cowboy Mode” was spawn.

“Cowboy Mode” takes you on a consciousness expanding experience to match no others. Each song uniquely delves into every level of the essence of life. The good. The bad. The ugly. Right from the start, “Over the Hill” hooks the listener with its heavy, infectious rhythms. With its robust chorus and alluring pace, “The Peacemakers” gratifies the ears with every step. The doom blues charge of the album’s title track adds a new twist to your senses. A journey to the powerful climax of “25 Years” will leave you breathless as you roll into “Celebrate Armageddon”, taking your listening pleasure on a rollercoaster ride of intensity. “Cowboy Mode” features several musically inclined friends of Wiberg’s who jumped at the chance to lend their own special touch of genius. For example, a roaring sax solo in the epic “End of Music, End of Story” and dynamic vocal lines throughout, further the appeal of diversity through groovin’ symmetry. Mojobone bring it on every level. From start to finish, “Cowboy Mode” fails to disappoint.