The songs on American rock trio Dreadnaught's Live at Mojo were recorded between two US tours and prior to the sessions for their Musica En Flagrante release in 2004. The renditions on Live at Mojo all have a very live and spontaneous feel, as it's just Justin S. Walton on guitar and vocals, Tim Haney drums, and Bob Lord bass and vocals. There are no keyboards here, no strings, no horns, no loops, or no studio tricks. This is just three guys jamming songs, playing visceral hard rock, some with vocals and some instrumental. But most importantly, it's a lot of fun, both for the band and the listeners.
The songs on the first disc are raw and meaty. See the drum sound on "Popeye", a song showcasing excellent fusion guitar. Lord's bass is still as big and prominent as on the studio releases. It's mostly the instrumental tracks that appeal to me. The bass and guitar interplay on "Tiny Machines" results in an elaborate blues jam, while "The Jester's Theme" and "Deneb" are heavier and darker jams. The kick drums on "Deneb" are amazing and Walton's fretwork is amazing. "Welding" and "Dark Star" are among the best cuts on the first CD. The former is highlighted by impeccable guitar textures and the latter is a fine work of avant-garde music that underlies dynamic jazz guitar melodies. Of all cover tunes, this Grateful Dead piece is perhaps the most experimental. Splattered through the songs, the band also plays some interesting cover tunes (mostly on Disc 2). However, unless you check the liner notes, you may never know they're not original Dreadnaught songs. John Entwistle's "I've Been Away" is interpreted as a great fun tune while the three Zappa songs on the second disc provide an opportunity for the guys Dreadnaught to show their great love and inspiration for the man. I've always felt Zappa was among their biggest favourites. The bass-supported "Peaches En Regalia", the moody "Illinois Enema Bandit", and the daring "The Torture Never Stops" are so perfectly played and recorded that any Zappa follower will appreciate them greatly.
Live at Mojo is an essential listen for any Dreadnaught fan.
Track Listing
Disc One
- Popeye
- Tiny Machines
- Tombstone Every Mile
- The Jester's Theme
- Deneb
- Tournament
- I've Been Away
- James Thresher Industries
- Welding
- Red Light
- Clownhead
- Dark Star
- Bunnaschidt
- Excitable Boy
- Nag Champ-a-laya
Disc Two
- Gulf of Tonkin
- The Boston Crab
- The Drill
- Danny
- Rats and Me
- Sophia Standalone
- Peaches En Regalia
- Illinois Enema Bandit
- The Torture Never Stops
- Ballbuster
- Whole Lotta Shakin'
- Women Are Kryptonite
- I Am a Lonesome Fugitive
- Clean Your Act Up (Son)
- Derby Days
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