As music, like everything else, gets swallowed whole by technology, expect more bands like Robert Jon & The Wreck to emerge and push back against shows mimed to backing tracks, visible only from a Jumbotron, designed for social media, with songs written by faceless hitmakers with the help of artificial intelligence. This music has grit, it has soul, and it has purpose. It ebbs and flows and isn’t constrained by machines, by society, or even by its creators, it belongs to the audience.
Robert Jon & The Wreck have been touring for a long time. They tour hard, too, it feels like they roll through town about once a year. And they still find time to release albums every fifteen months or so, plus EPs and singles. It’s no surprise that they play so well together, it’s literally all they do.
If we're being totally honest, the show starts a little off. During the first couple of songs, it feels like the band is trying to find its footing. Sound problems, maybe, or perhaps they just need to warm up. In any case, that impression dissipates quickly and they soon settle into their stride, as they always do. Henry James is an outstanding guitarist, adding psychedelic flourishes to a decidedly Southern rock sound, despite hailing from California. And of course, they have amassed quite a collection of strong songs over the years, “Old Friend,” “Glory Bound,” “Miss Carolina,” and “Cold Night,” their answer to “Free Bird.”
By the time you read this, the band will already be on their way to wreck another town. Such is the life of a working band.
