Robert Jon & The Wreck deliver a classic EP with new label and name producers.
Robert Jon & The Wreck are a hard rocking band from Southern California but, if their sound is anything to by, their hearts lie further east and south. After over a decade’s recording and touring, the band has joined with Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman project to release what is promised to be a series of records in 2023. ‘One Of A Kind’ is a 4 track EP recorded with renowned producers Don Was and Dave Cobb in Los Angeles and Nashville respectively. The band comprise Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocal, guitar), Henry James (lead guitar, vocals, Warren Murrel (Bass, vocals), Jack Abernathie (keyboards) and Andrew Espnatman (drums, vocals).
The opening track, ‘Pain No More’ comes belting out of the speakers at a rate of knots with before settling into a slightly lower tempo, featuring acoustic and organ, for the verses, before returning to the central guitar heavy riff. James turns in a nice slide solo. ‘Who Can You Love’ is more of a country rocker with twangy lead lines and a harmony driven chorus as Burrison expresses a hope that his current relationship will be a keeper.
The band returns to the big riff opening – albeit with an initial slight prog twist – for the title track with its powerful “I think I’m finally coming alive, I think I’ve found me one of a kind” chorus. James’ slide and lead take centre once more. The EP’s final track, ‘Come At Me’ is a classic hard rocker which sees Burrison stretching his vocal range before a shouty chorus “Come at me ‘cos I’ve had enough” and features some classic rock guitar breaks.
Robert Jon & The Wreck are a hard-working band who have put in a lot of effort building their audience in the US and Europe both headlining and supporting big acts such as Bonamassa, Peter Frampton and Buddy Guy. The support of Journeyman and the involvement of top producers could see them poised to take a career step-up. ‘One Of A Kind’ provides a firm base for that progression.
