|
""Last Light On The Highway" puts Robert Jon & The Wreck at the head of the new leaders of Southern rock."
|
4/5
|
|
|
While Whiskey Myers had left their mark on the southern rock landscape with their eponymous album at the end of 2019, now it's Robert Jon & The Wreck's turn to do the same in the first half of 2020. But if the Californians have entitled their new opus "Last Light On The Highway", they nevertheless have many points in common with their Texan colleagues. Indeed, while they released their first album in 2011, it took them many years on the road and some prestigious opening acts (Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout, Eric Gales, etc...) to start making a place for themselves in the sun. Just like Cody Cannon's gang, it was their previous album that opened the doors to their recognition as the next generation leader of the genre ("Take Me Higher" - 2019), and we'll kill any kind of suspense by declaring from now on that the parallel with Whiskey Myers continue with a new opus that will take them to the top.
Carried by its charismatic leader, guitarist and singer, the quintet offers here a demonstration of the best that southern rock can offer, mixing the influences of the greatest for an exciting result. Robert Jon & The Wreck may not have revolutionized the genre, but they are nonetheless perfectly capable of taking over the genre and ensuring its legacy, as well as displaying a strong identity. We sometimes think of the Eagles with the guitar harmonies of the light and efficient rock of 'Can't Stand It', or of the Allman Brothers Band with those of a melancholic 'Do You Remember' on which the discreet and benevolent shadow of Warren Haynes also hovers. The heavy, groovy rock of 'Don't Let Me Go', with its big riff, reminds us of the Black Crowes when the Robinson brothers were able to join forces for the better.
It's difficult to highlight some tracks over others as each piece could be worth using as a single with great potential. Only the sequel to the eponymous track, in two parts over more than eight minutes at the end of the album, wouldn't be able to squat on the US and Anglo-Saxon FM waves. But it's only because of its format because apart from that, it represents one of the many peaks of this opus by venturing on progressive lands by varying tempi and ambiences, quickly proving to be intense and captivating, rich and epic. In an ensemble that favours slow rhythms and melancholy, without getting bogged down in it, we'll quote the first single 'Oh Miss Carolina' with its catchy and unstoppable chorus. 'Work It Out' with its mix of soul and blues is reinforced by a brass section and female backing vocals by Mahalia Barnes (Jimmy Barnes' daughter), Jade McRae and Juanita Tippins who usually accompany Joe Bonamassa. As for the mid-tempo ballad 'Tired Of Drinking Alone', it has country-style finery to unleash its emotional power and is sure to be a hit.
"Last Light On The Highway" puts Robert Jon & The Wreck at the head of the new leaders of Southern rock. Whether you're going for a ride on the highways or stopping in a nice smoky bar, this opus will be a perfect soundtrack and will carry the sun of the south of the United States with you. - Official website
|
|
|
TRACK LISTING:
01. Oh Miss Carolina - 4:16 02. Work It Out - 4:32 03. Can't Stand It - 3:11 04. Tired Of Drinking Alone - 3:44 05. Do You Remember ? - 3:41 06. This Time Around - 3:39 07. Don't Let Me Go - 3:25 08. One Last Time - 4:05 09. Gold - 4:59 10. Last Light On The Highway Part 1 - 2:30 11. Last Light On The Highway Part 2 - 6:04
LINEUP:
Andrew Espantman: Batterie / Chœurs Henry James Schneekluth: Guitares / Chœurs Robert Jon Burrison: Chant / Guitares Steve Maggiora: Claviers / Chœurs Warren Murrel: Basse / Chœurs Jade Mcrae: Invité / Chœurs Juanita Tippins: Invité / Chœurs Mahalia Barnes: Invité / Chœurs
|
|
|
|
(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
|
|
|
|
|
Top of the page
|
|
|
(0) COMMENT(S)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
READERS
-/5 (0 view(s))
|
STAFF:
4/5 (3 view(s))
|
|
|
|
|
|
IN RELATION WITH ROBERT JON & THE WRECK
|
|
|
|
|
"Osmium out now !" |
|
OTHER REVIEWS
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT ROBERT JON & THE WRECK
|
|