Review: Robert Jon & The Wreck 'One Of A Kind'

Robert Jon & The Wreck, One Of A Kind

By Mike O’Cull

Roots rock champions Robert Jon & The Wreck achieve yet another high-water mark on their new EP One Of A Kind.

The four-song set comes down March 10th, 2023 on Joe Bonamassa’s new Journeyman Records imprint and brings us the sound of a fully-powered band who have mastered their own blend of energy, emotion, and melody. This time out, the multiple Grammy-winning Don Was (Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, John Mayer) and eight-time Grammy Award winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Blackberry Smoke, Rival Sons) helped produce and got truly great performances out of each musician.

As constant content creators, the band’s new partnership with Journeyman Records gives them the chance to work with the world’s top producers and release a steady stream of high-quality music, cutting through the typical industry chaos and ensuring new music is accessible to fans.

Robert Jon & The Wreck have blown up because of the way they combine the double-helix of Southern Rock with their own California roots rock style. Since uniting in 2011, Robert Jon Burrison (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Espantman (drums, background vocals), Henry James Schneekluth (lead guitar, background vocals), and Warren Murrel (bass) have developed a devoted fan base all around the world.

The group regularly plays to sellout crowds, has shared bills with Joe Bonamassa, Peter Frampton, Buddy Guy, and Rival Sons, and has released a body of recorded work that stands tall above their peers. Their unforgettable tunes, sweet vocal harmonies, and soaring guitars are an addictive brew and have put the band on an upward trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down.

Each of the four new songs on One Of A Kind has hit-single potential and it’s a sure bet that we’re all going to hear a lot of them this year. The Dave Cobb-produced “Pain No More” will instantly stick in your headphones. It hits a hard riff up front but quickly becomes a catchy and melodic Southern rocker with an exceptionally strong chorus.

Robert Jon is an outstanding singer in possession of the ideal tone, range, and belt for the songs he writes and numbers like this one explode with a vibe that makes you consider what might have happened if Tom Petty had joined Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lead guitarist Henry James Schneekluth shines here, too, and displays a tasty, cliché-free style.

“Who Can You Love” lets the band get smooth and deliver an emotive, mid-tempo winner. It’s a love song in the most profound sense of the term and the introspective arrangement and gorgeous chorus harmonies bring its message all the way home. Add in the way the electric and acoustic guitar parts move and interact with each other and you can’t help but feel your heart expand. Schneekluth’s lead guitar work and organic, unadorned tones are also high in emotional content and musical satisfaction. He’s an outstanding player with an endless stream of original ideas.

The EP’s title track “One Of A Kind” cranks the heat back up with a power-packed rock beat and some steaming slide guitar. It’s a cool, straight-up rock and roll song that could get you a speeding ticket if you listen in the car. Hasn’t that always been a mark of greatness?

The Don Was cut “Come At Me” revels in its own strength while still being an instant ear worm. RJ has never sounded this fierce before and the rest of the band stays right with him. It’s the kind of tune that takes careers up a few levels and keeps them there. Was is a masterful producer whose often-subtle brilliance with roots music is in full effect here. Robert Jon & The Wreck just continue getting better with each new record and One Of A Kind is one of the most vital roots rock efforts you’ll hear in 2023.

“Who Can You Love”