Robert Jon And The Wreck Oxford Academy 30-11-24
Normally all reviews for Robert Jon for Rockgig are done by Nigel who I took to a show a couple of years back and he is now their biggest fan.
But with this being at the Academy in Oxford and a venue that is very difficult to park near Nigel let me go and he was right. Due to the every car park being full it was a 1.5 mile hike to the venue and I missed Eddie 9V because of this and an earlier than expected start time.
Thankfully myself and the large crowd were in for a treat and for an hour and 40 minutes Robert Jon and his band showed us all that the sky is the limit for the band.
Truly one of the hardest working bands on the planet with the recent new album Red Moon Rising already being extended to a deluxe edition and recent stand alone single Point Of View the well shows no sign of drying and a continual run of live shows here in Europe and the US show a desire to get Robert Jon And The Wreck to the masses.
The band all play their part with Robert Jon Burrison on lead vocals and guitar, Andrew Espantman on drums,ever smiling Warren Murrel on bass, Jake Abernathie on keys and the amazing talent of Henry James Schneekluth on lead guitar and vocals.
The set gave us 4 from Red Moon Rising including the title track, Hold On, Trouble and the stunning Ballad Of A Broken Hearted Man which is as good a song from the genre of Southern Rock that I have heard in this or any decade.
Trouble uses light and shade in the verse and builds to a huge chorus that was sung back by the crowd and fists in the air and Henry James plays a fiery guitar solo that fits perfectly and deserves to be all over rock radio.
Point Of View considering it has only been out a week was instantly recognisable which shows the band are getting it out to all and another song with a standout guitar riff and driving rhythm and all leading to a big chorus just as it should.
Debut album Glory Bound was well represented with opener Devil Is Your Only Friend and Blame It On The Whiskey and again the crowd knew every word showing their devotion.
Oh Miss Carolina is a fan favourite with it's laid back feel and crowd participation chorus and was uplifting in the extreme. After the band breakdown and it drops to quiet a lone voice in the crowd started a singalong which quickly grew with the look on Robert Jon's face a picture of happiness at a moment that showed off the joy of live music perfectly . He thanked us for being louder than London and will return he promised.
The aforementioned Ballad Of A Broken Hearted Man ended the set on a high. A wonderful song that builds from a slow pace with a slide guitar riff and solo from Henry James and again up to a huge chorus with the crowd joining in too. A wonderful unison.
A 16 minute version of Cold Night was the encore which literally had it all. Twin guitar leads, funk, Americana, a band workout of mesmerising proportions , a breakdown of duelling guitar from Henry James and Jake on keys and lengthy guitar soloing from Henry James showing he is a good a young talent as any on the planet. It never feels too much and just shows the perfect match of musical talent without playing for playing's sake.
Robert Jon And The Wreck are riding into all of our hearts with wonderful live shows and music built on the past but looking to the future and you need to be there with him.
They return to the UK in April May in 2025.
All pictures are credited to Will Carter and used with thanks.
