By DJ Monk
Robert Jon & The Wreck are so deeply infused in the country-blues-meets-gospel end of the southern rock mien that it comes as somewhat of a surprise to find out that they actually hail from the sunny climes of California’s infamous Orange County rather than the other side of the USofA, as their sound is more reminiscent of Alabama, the Carolinas or even the Bayou than that of the West Coast.
That is not, in any way, to detract from the credibility of what they do – far from it, as they once again prove that music is a universal language that draws from myriad sources, and it’s how you present it that matters. And, it has to be said that RJ&TW present their style of rock ‘n’ roll with aplomb, confidence and in a way which is captivating and enervating, attractive and enervating.
They set the tone right from the off, as lead single ‘Oh Miss Carolina’ rattles out of the speaker on a blast of oh-so sweet slide riffin’ before easing back in the saddle and making itself right at home, where it proceeds to drink all your whiskey and eat all your snacks as the rest of the album snuggles up on the sofa and refuses to budge, at least until you’ve played it on repeat several times…
Talking of sippin’ all your booze, another of the album’s highlights is the lively current single, ‘Tired Of Drinking Alone’, the title of which has taken on a new significance in the current climate of locked-down lock-ins. It’s as infectious as the beer bug itself, but this is one virus you’re not gonna wanna shake anytime soon: rather, you’re gonna come straight back for another refill and Robert Jon pleads with you to ‘Don’t Let Me Go’: hey, brother, you ain’t going anywhere, except straight to the booze cabinet and the repeat button on that there stereo…
Robert Jon has a great voice, luscious and rich, which superbly matches the many moods, from the rambunctious and joyful playfulness of the aforementioned singles through to more melancholy moments such as ‘Do You Remember’, the first half of ‘One Last Time’ and the glorious ‘Gold’. Elsewhere, Henry James lays down some fiery solos, punctuated by really great slide work, while Steve Maggiora’s stunning organ work accentuates and exemplifies the overall atmosphere of this beautifully crafted album.
If you grew up on bands such as The Allman Brothers, Foghat and The Outlaws, or are of the Black Crowes/Georgia Satellites generation, or even have come to southern blues rock through the likes of Black Stone Cherry and their contemporaries, then Robert Jon & The Wreck are compulsory listening and this album is an essential addition to your collection. This certainly won’t be the last light on this particular rock ‘n’ roll highway, that’s for sure…
- ‘Last Light On The Highway’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
www.facebook.com/robertjonandthewreck
- All content © Über Rock. Not to be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of Über Rock.