Mogibpop — High On The Hog Review

Mogibpop — High On The Hog
Mogibpop — High On The Hog

Mogipbob, the recording name of Jason Graves from Hythe, Alberta, Canada, is a songwriter and recording artist known for his storytelling through music. Blending country, rock, and folk influences with heartfelt wit, his songs capture life’s humor, heartbreak, and everyday moments. His debut album, fully written by him, features four country-infused tracks inspired by the open prairies alongside non-country songs exploring broader creative territory. Each track carries a distinctive voice, playful, sincere, and unfiltered, reflecting the perspective of a small-town artist with expansive musical curiosity. Outside of music, Mogipbob works for the City of Grande Prairie, balancing daily life with his artistic pursuits. His work invites radio stations and curators to share authentic, homegrown stories with audiences who appreciate heartfelt songwriting and engaging grooves.

“High on the Hog”, released on October 20, 2025, by Mogibpop is a twelve-track album that blends folk, country, and ’70s-inspired pop funk into a cohesive, genre-crossing experience. The album leans on storytelling and melody, with each track delivering humor, heart, and moments of reflection drawn from everyday life. Its strength lies in the seamless mix of acoustic textures, rhythmic basslines, soulful chord changes, and subtle funk touches, creating songs that are simultaneously playful and contemplative. The record features a balance between toe-tapping, groove-oriented tracks and slower, reflective songs, all unified by a conversational, honest voice.

Production emphasizes clarity and craft rather than polish, allowing the melodies and narratives to shine. The album explores small-town humor, working life, and relatable moments, making it approachable and immersive for listeners. Every track feels lived-in, with witty lyricism and genuine storytelling driving the experience. High on the Hog is not trend-driven; instead, it prioritizes authenticity, melody, and narrative depth. From lighthearted grooves to heartfelt ballads, the album presents a compelling, engaging, and memorable musical journey that captures Mogipbob’s artistic vision.

High on the Hog Album Track List:

Blame the Cat:
“Blame the Cat” opens with a clever instrumentation, but then there’s a lyric that stands out from this beginning; “Everytime there’s trouble near, there’s one excuse we all can hear … Blame the cat!!!” immediately setting a playful, mischievous tone. Mogipbob uses humor to explore the universal tendency to deflect responsibility, turning a minor nuisance into a narrative centerpiece. The recurring refrain, “Blame the cat, blame the … he’s a guilty one imagine that,” reinforces this theme, creating an infectious singalong quality. Musically, bright acoustic strums, rhythmic percussion, and melodic bass accentuate the lighthearted, storytelling atmosphere. The vocal delivery is conversational yet precise, emphasizing phrasing that enhances the lyrics’ comedic timing. The instrumentation mirrors the playful mischief, with staccato guitar accents punctuating key lyrical moments. The song’s essence lies in combining wit and groove, using everyday humor to connect with listeners while maintaining strong melodic appeal. The track balances musicality and narrative, making the story of minor blame both entertaining and musically engaging.

Eileen:
“Eileen” is a tender exploration of attraction, charm, and personal connection. Lyrics such as, “I said darling, that’s a fine name indeed … she said it ain’t the name, it’s the way I perceive,” highlight the song’s theme of perception and emotional resonance. The repeated call-and-response, “Eileen!! Eileen,” emphasizes the name as a powerful emotional anchor, with the lead singer’s inquiry met by the character’s playful yet grounded replies: “she winked and said boy don’t get too mean … If you want a good time you got to roll with Eileen.” Musically, gentle acoustic guitar and warm harmonic textures support Mogipbob’s expressive vocal delivery, blending narrative storytelling with a melodic folk-pop sensibility. The track relies on restraint in instrumentation, allowing the lyrics and interplay between voices to dominate. Its theme of intimate discovery and the subtle dance of human interaction is communicated primarily through narrative lyrics, making “Eileen” a richly emotive, reflective centerpiece of the album.

Mogibpop — High On The Hog

Gimme That Dirty Bird:
“Gimme That Dirty Bird” is a high-energy, tongue-in-cheek track driven by playful lyricism: “Gat to give me that dirty bird … dirty bird have you heard, juicy bird it’s absurd … Crispy bird, take my word, thunder bird.” The lyrics focus on desire, exaggeration, and humor, painting a metaphorical story with absurd imagery that is both vivid and rhythmically engaging. Instrumentally, punchy guitar stabs, grooving basslines, and lively percussion mirror the lyrical playfulness, creating a dynamic backdrop for Mogipbob’s confident and mischievous vocal delivery. The repetitive, almost chant-like phrasing enhances the track’s infectiousness, ensuring listeners are drawn into the playful absurdity. Rhythm and melody serve the narrative, accentuating the lyrical whimsy. The track’s central theme is indulgence, desire, and joyful absurdity, communicated through both clever wordplay and tightly arranged instrumentation. The musical energy perfectly complements the lyrics, making it a standout track that’s humorous, memorable, and rhythmically compelling.

When Summer Fades:
“When Summer Fades” closes the album with a reflective, nostalgic tone. Lyrics such as, “When the summer fades and leafs turn gold … we gather the memories we used to hold” and “every sunset whispers … every cool breeze sways, the harvest reminds us of summer days” evoke the passing of time and the bittersweet beauty of seasonal change. Thematically, the song captures memory, transition, and the quiet appreciation of life’s fleeting moments. Musically, gentle guitar arpeggios, soft percussion, and warm harmonic layering create an intimate, contemplative soundscape that allows the lyrics to remain central. Mogipbob’s vocal delivery is tender and reflective, highlighting emotional nuance and reinforcing the track’s sense of closure. The interplay of melody and lyricism amplifies the sense of melancholy nostalgia. Overall, “When Summer Fades” blends understated instrumentation with vivid storytelling, turning natural imagery into a meditative exploration of change and memory, making it a profoundly emotive conclusion to “High on the Hog”.

High On The Hog Celebrates Everyday Life With Humor, Heart, And Reflection, Blending Folk, Country, And Funk Into A Playful, Honest, And Relatable Musical Journey.
~ Daniel (Dulaxi Team)

“High on the Hog” stands as a masterful showcase of Mogipbob’s ability to blend humor, heart, and relatable storytelling into a cohesive musical experience. The album’s fusion of folk, country, and ’70s-inspired funk creates an inviting, groove-friendly soundscape, while its honest, conversational voice keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. Perfect for those who appreciate music grounded in real-life observation and authentic emotion, this album encourages slow listening, reflection, and enjoyment of the small details that make songs memorable. “High on the Hog” is highly recommended for anyone seeking a warm, witty, and genuinely immersive musical journey.

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