Formed in Orange County, California, 2011, Robert Jon & The Wreck go from strength to strength as they release their ninth studio album Red Moon Rising on June 28th, 2024, via Joe Bonamassas Journeyman Records. Their music is a captivating combination of blues and Southern rock, point proven by album opener ‘Stone Cold Killer’. A raw opening riff runs alongside an eerie lead vocal from Robert Jon Burrison, firing up shout ‘em out loud and proud choruses.
‘Trouble’ is a party starting and finishing stomper from hefty drum patterns, slinky guitar lines and an infectious chorus, given an extra edge from keyboard bombast.
‘Red Moon Rising’ is a mean and moody blues shuffle that gets sassy and classy throughout the slide guitar driven choruses. Latest single ‘Dragging Me Down’ is a bass heavy bruiser for four fiery blues ridden minutes, bursting into life midway for fiery fretboard fury from lead guitarist Henry James Schneekluth.
‘Help Yourself’ is one of many highlights as they go down the gears for a motivational song, showing that you can overcome any obstacle. Deft piano touches add subtle nuances towards a sumptuous guitar solo.
‘Worried Mind’ is a short but beautifully sweet ballad to melt the coldest heart. Time seems to stand still for this ethereal song to make all your troubles disappear briefly as acoustic guitar gently picked notes are perfection!
The album closes on two bonus tracks. ‘Rager’ has them rocking out to volume eleven throughout this greasy groover, with the spotlight stolen from driving drum prowess, pinning everything down by some innovative patterns.
‘Hate To See You Go’ is one for the headbangers out there to rock until they drop, courtesy of another finger blistering axe attack outro solo!
Review by Dennis Jarman