Foghat, “Sonic Mojo.”

English rockers Foghat looked to the past to create their present on Sonic Mojo. The band’s 17th album, and first in seven years, is a nod to blues visionaries of the past that paved the way  for the “Slow Ride” quartet.

Foghat cofounding drummer Roger Earl is the last remaining original member of the group, which is now rounded out by vocalist Scott Holt, guitarist Bryan Bassett and bassist Rodney O’Quinn. Still, the spirit of the band’s sound lives on with its current configuration. Bassett  produced and engineered the album, which the band is self-releasing.

What brings the record full circle is the collaboration with Savoy Brown’s Kim Simmonds. The Welsh guitarist gave Earl his start as a member of his band, before Earl ventured off with Foghat. Simmonds co-wrote four of these tracks, including single “Drivin’ On,” before passing away. The album’s artwork is a tribute to Simmonds.

Sonic Mojo is a collection of new material as well as covers of some of the artists that influenced the band’s sound. Howlin’ Wolf’s “How Many More Years,” Rodney Crowell’s “Song For the Life” and “Mean Woman Blues” (made famous by Elvis) are just a few.

Filtered through the lens of Foghat, the album has a cohesiveness to it. A sense of immediacy adds a personality that gives it its “mojo.” Holt brings an authenticity to both his vocals and his bluesy guitar playing; though that’s no surprise for this one-time member of blues legend Buddy Guy’s band. He and Bassett clearly have the chops, trading lead guitar parts and solos. The tones are crisp and the band sounds tight on each track.

Blues-drenched “Drivin’ On” is a standout, bringing a classic blues sound with a throwback rock and roll energy, led by Earl’s drumming. All the songs sound very much like what you’d expect a Foghat release in 2023 to sound like, which is a good thing. They all have an effusive, bluesy bounce paired with Holt’s rock-solid singing.

The best moment comes when the pace slows slightly on “How Many More Years,” which was penned by Chester Burnett but made famous by Howlin’ Wolf. Foghat’s take veers a little bit closer toward a dirty blues track than a rock and roll tune.

Crowell’s “Song For the Life” has a country-influenced rock sound, the band showing its versatility. The backing vocals are clearly placed in the mix and add to the spacious and atmospheric sound. Original mid-tempo jam “Tine Slips Away” finds its groove and doesn’t let it go.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at Twitter.com/mike_dewald.