Mississippi Queen

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying cover of Mississippi Queen by Joyous Wolf, a track from their 2018 double single Mississippi Queen/Slowhand, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw energy. This rendition of the classic Mountain song, originally released in 1970, was produced by Grammy-winning producer Howard Benson, known for his work with bands like Sepultura and Halestorm. Joyous Wolf aimed to pay homage to Mountain, particularly dedicating the track to the late Leslie West, while introducing the song’s gritty, blues-infused rock to a new generation. In a statement, the band expressed their intent to “pay our respects to a band that inspires us,” highlighting their deep connection to the song’s roots in metal and blues influences. The music video, directed by Tim Oakley and premiered on Loudwire, captures the band’s live-wire performance, with vocalist Nick Reese’s dynamic stage presence and drummer Robert Sodaro’s iconic cowbell opening, a nod to the original’s legendary riff-heavy sound.

One fascinating piece of trivia comes from the song’s reception and its impact. The cover was praised for its faithful yet fresh take, with Musician Wages noting that Joyous Wolf “breathes new life into it” while preserving the song’s essence. The track’s lyrics, telling the story of a Cajun lady on a riverboat who transforms the narrator’s life, resonate with the band’s high-energy, storytelling style. Social media buzz, particularly on Instagram, showed fans raving about the song’s infectious rhythm during the band’s 2018 fall tour with Royal Bliss and Messer, where it became a staple of their live sets. The band shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the video shoot on Facebook, revealing the chaotic, fun atmosphere on set, which mirrored the song’s wild spirit. This cover also marked a significant milestone as one of the first tracks released under their Roadrunner Records deal, a moment the band described as “an incredible and relieving feeling” after years of grinding in the Southern California rock scene.

Joyous Wolf got their start in 2014 in Southern California, born from a serendipitous blend of friendships and musical chemistry. Vocalist Nick Reese and drummer Robert Sodaro first met on their first day of 6th grade during student orientation, forming a bond that carried through their school years. Meanwhile, Reese crossed paths with guitarist Blake Allard by chance in the acoustic room at Guitar Center, where the two jammed on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Born on the Bayou. The immediate spark between them led to an exchange of contact info, and soon after, Reese reached out to Sodaro and Allard to kickstart a new project. Bassist Greg Braccio, a friend of Sodaro’s from high school, joined shortly after, completing the lineup. By late 2014, their early jam sessions fused heavy metal, delta blues, and classic rock, creating a distinctive, high-energy sound that set them apart in the modern rock scene. Their relentless gigging at local venues and major rock festivals caught the attention of Roadrunner Records, leading to their 2018 signing and the release of Mississippi Queen.

Fans of Joyous Wolf can connect with the band through their official website, where they share tour updates, merch, and music. Their Facebook page is a hub for tour photos, fan interactions, and music video posts, while Instagram offers a visual dive into their live performances and studio sessions. On X, the band engages with fans through quick updates and witty exchanges, keeping the Zoo Freaks in the loop. While there aren’t many prominent fan-run websites, the band’s official channels are active with fan communities, particularly on Facebook, where groups of supporters share concert experiences and discuss tracks like Mississippi Queen. For the latest on Joyous Wolf, these platforms are the go-to spots for any Zoo Freak looking to stay connected.