ROBERT JON & THE WRECK // RED MOON RISING TOUR // LIVE REVIEW // CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION
Robert Jon & The Wreck are the very essence of what a touring Rock band are about. I witnessed their brand of Southern Blues at this very venue last September 2023. Then they were promoting ‘Ride Into The Light’ which was released that August. This time they are touring in support of the stunning ‘Red Moon Rising’ released in June 2024.
The Wreck has been on an almost unbroken tour over this period. Just how they manage to perform in such exhilarating fashion I don’t know, yet somehow they have produced quite possibly their best album to date.
Tonight, at the Junction there is no support, the Wreck hit the stage at 8 pm, and when they finish at 9.40, all around there is a sea of delighted smiling faces. The faces of fans who have collectively been moved to express this performance with magical joy.
Robert Jon & The Wreck are a raw quintet from the Orange County California, they formed in 2011, the band exude passion for their music. Lead guitarist Henry James is a cross between Hendrix and Lynott, he at times appears lost in his own world as his fingers fly over the fretboard with a flourish, he looks like he is living in a fantasy world.
Frontman Robert Jon Burrison has an enigmatic presence, his voice perfect for his band, rarely does he communicate directly with the crowd, he doesn’t need to as his hat, beard and guitar playing create a strong image which connects via his charismatic charisma. This is magnified by the bass playing of Warren Murell and is topped off by the layers of keyboards that embellish the sound that is played by Jake Abernathy, whose mane of hair flows like the sounds he plays.
Drummer Andrew Espantman delivers the beats with poise and purpose, adding vocals. The Wreck opens with‘ Faith No More’ and the main set concludes with ‘Do You Remember’, yes, we will remember! The encore is ‘Cold Night’, which is apt as it is indeed cold outside, within it has been very hot and full of fire. From start to finish we have had a collective experience that will last in our memories.
This leg of the tour is coming to a close, but don’t worry they will be back early next year to continue their ‘Never Ending Tour’. I will be seeing them in Norwich where I promise you it will be Epic! I recommend you attend as this is a band not to be missed. My guess is Robin Jon & The Wreck won’t stop until you are all converted. They must be the hardest touring, working band on the planet.
Don’t miss the next opportunity to be there and be wrecked, you can then become part of the wreckage.
Review: Paul Mace
Photography: Lawrence Harvey
