ROBERT JON + THE WRECK’s ninth studio album “Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes” will be released by Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records on Friday, August 22nd.
We’ve described the output of the Orange County band as ‘ stout-hearted heartland rock [with] much distinguished musicianship, many sublime moments, and overwhelming strength in every note and phrase…’
Legendary producer Dave Cobb (known for his work with Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, and Rival Sons) helped create this new album. The band delivers an organic, contemplative, and fabulously solid performance.
The outreaching chorus is subtly immersive, and the guitars are transcendental…
RAW RAMP
“It was an incredible honour to collaborate with Dave Cobb on our new record,” shares frontman Robert Jon Burrison.
The mid-tempo rocker “Highway” features all the elements that RJATW fans most admire: amazing twin guitar harmonies, dynamic vocal performances, and a vivacious rhythm section. This number merges the band’s quintessential heartland sound with a unique sense of photo-dramatic inexorability.
“I Wanna Give It” (music video shared below) has a line-danceable two-step rhythm, a lusciously intoxicating chorus, a chirpy backroom piano, and sumptuous guitar basketry, making it a snappy squeeze. Sunny!
Conjury and excitatory “Dark Angel” is a romp with frond-like guitars, sticky chords, and swampy vocals. The witch-fingering chorus is subtly immersive, and the guitars are transcendental. In other words, this is otherworldly!
The squelchy, zippy song “Long Gone” has a rattling feel and energetic vocals that go well with the gumptious beats. This has a distinctly Skynyrd vibe and is as tightly wound as a buckskin headband. It includes a sensationally silvery guitar solo and gobs of triumphant wallop. A standout track!
“Keep Myself Clean” completes this satisfying album. This track is reminiscent of something from Rio Grande Mud, kinda Texas show band material, with a country-rock swing in its hips, and an enthusiastic boogie-bop in its jig. The skilful clarity of the guitar, the woody wholesomeness of Burrison’s vocal, and the hearty inventiveness of the rhythms are what set this song apart from semi-flaccid fayre like “Rockstar.” Amazingly thrilling!
Put this album in your firebox if you want to keep your roots rock piping hot on the griddle. Stuff it in!
Words: © Neil Mach
Main photo: © Rob Bondurant
Pre-order (UK): https://shop.robertjonandthewreck.com/collections/heartbreaks-goodbyes-uk
RAW RAMP 