Reviewed by Taf Rock for MPM
The rising of a red (blood) moon can mean many things to many people. Some beliefs take this fairly rare occurrence as a signal to explore your dark side and delve deep within ones extreme hidden emotions such as rage and grief. Others believe it is time to let go and heal.
On their eighth studio album Red Moon Rising the Orange County quintet (Robert Jon Burrison – guitar/lead vocals, Andrew Espantman – drums/backing vocal, Henry James Schneekluth – lead guitar/backing vocal, Warren Murrel – bass and new recruit Jake Abernathie – keys) certainly let go and send positive vibes to the listening public whilst revealing an element of change as they diversify their sound beyond their traditional steadfasts of blues and southern inspired rock.
Look no further than the barnstorming opener Stone Cold Killer. Emerging as a single way back in September last year the quick-fire high energy track rapidly gained substantial air play on national radio. Infectious chorus lines tend to be a feature of many Robert Jon songs and here it grabs you like the killer at large, enticed to your feet you will move and sing along as you join in the party with our fabulous fivesome. Quality lyrics abound as a yarn is spun exposing ‘a natural born beauty, with a deep low cut, poison in her fingers, with a violent strut’. Henry James injecting delicious lead breaks at every opportunity between the verses whilst Jake plays a blinder on the keys.
Our next track sees Henry James begin proceedings with a tasty guitar break that gets the head nodding and those feet tapping whilst Robert Jon’s opening lyric ‘She don’t want no diamond rings’ merely hints at the nature of our subject matter. A lady who ‘likes to drink ice cold beer and neat whisky’ the band continues to focus on creatures of a dubious nature as Robert reveals all our subject matters’ secrets and literally spells out the Trouble we are running straight into with another insanely addictive chorus. She may be ‘the baddest chick in town’ but she’s sure to bring a smile to many faces as audiences revel in every detail whilst singing about her at future Robert Jon gigs. Henry’s exuberant display on the guitar combined with those effervescent keys from Jake are sure to whip any stragglers amongst the listeners into a frenzy.
Time to slow things down briefly and take a breath as acoustic guitar introduces Ballad Of A Broken Man demonstrating the versatility of our quintet. The track opens up as the whole band produce a majestic demonstration of musical excellence. Robert may sing about a man ‘born in a wasted town’ but his vocal is a key ingredient of a mouth-watering feast that would be fit for any king. We are privileged to ‘dance in the dark’ and walk ‘hand in hand’ with a band worthy of a place amongst rock’s royalty. Henry’s acoustic refrain returns to bring us gently back down to earth from the towering heights this magnificent track achieves.
Our title track is a cornucopia of music styles signifying the range of emotions felt when we see that Red Moon Rising. Warren’s deep and dark bass helping to produce an eerie effect symptomatic of the occasion augmented by Henry’s haunting guitar sounds. ‘We can’t do nothing so we best start running’. The only direction most fans will be running is in the direction of the next Robert Jon gig given the sheer excellence of this album. Credit must be given to the excellent production work of Kevin Shirley throughout.
The pounding riff of Dragging Me Down brings a return to the established Wreck style laced with the fury of Henry’s frequent guitar breaks but there’s not ‘a second to clear our minds’ as a stop-start ‘steady climb’ sees ‘the pace getting faster’ before reaching a crescendo forcing us to ‘reach for the future, scream out’ and Hold On for dear life as we are taken for a whirlwind roadtrip by the thundering Espantman drums and towering vocal which dominate the tune.
Seven tracks in and this joyous album ensures we are Down No More. The familiar southern tinged Allman Brothersesque sound often associated with Robert Jon makes a welcome appearance. Henry plays this stuff so well there really is no ‘reason to leave it all behind’. It would be amiss for a Wreck album not to contain at least one such track. Robert’s voice fits the occasion like a glove as the rest of the band join him on vocals, hand claps and finger snaps. A triumphant celebration of the joys of southern music also features luscious keys from Jake.
‘Someone call a doctor’. Robert’s opening demand to the catchy Help Yourself. The only reason I can think a medical practitioner may be necessary would be to calm oneself down. As if to emphasise the point Robert croons – ‘There ain’t much more in life your little heart can take’, such is the exuberance displayed throughout this album. Robert Jon & The Wreck – the only medicine I need.
Harmonica makes an appearance for the country blues of Worried Mind. ‘Been a little tired … feeling run down … trying to find the right words’ Robert is ‘thinking out loud’ as he reflects on his past and his ‘wasted time’. A beautiful thoughtful lament.
A demonstration of Jake Abernathie keyboard prowess ensues whilst Robert indulges in a spot of people watching. He observes folk ‘looking for answers’ whilst others ‘know all there is to know’. ‘Fill yourself with hate … it spreads like cancer’ so Robert’s wise words advise listeners to Give Love throughout this atmospheric and melodic offering.
As a bonus, purchasers of the physical CD (vinyl purchasers sadly miss out) are treated to two additional tracks. The first of which – Rager – is quite a departure for The Wreck. Demonstrating more than a hint of early Iron Maiden (albeit with additional keyboards) particularly during the incredible lead break – this song rocks out straight from the opening thunderous Espantman drum beat. A track that would happily give any 80’s NWOBHM cut a run for its money would have seen plenty of vigorous headbanging across the length and breadth of our nation back in the day.
Sadly all good things must come to an end. And through I Hate To See You Go Red Moon Rising does indeed go out a high as our final track sees the band celebrating a magnificent achievement. One final display of Abernathie keyboard wizardry, Henry James breathtaking southern style guitar and those rich Robert Jon vocals. A parting shot that leaves a broad smile emblazoned across our faces. ‘My my – I Hate To See You Go’. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
There’s no use in hiding – Robert Jon & The Wreck like that red moon are on the rise.
Robert Jon & The Wreck. The album will be released by Journeyman Records and is available from –https://shop.robertjonandthewreck.com/collections/red-moon-rising
