Robert Jon and the Wreck’s 12-date UK tour is almost complete as they roll into Leeds for the penultimate night of this tour. People have been telling me for a while now that I need to catch them live and what a force they are, but for some unknown reason this hasn’t happened, until now. As I make my way to the front, I pass the merch stand and notice that there are 6 albums for sale. Wow! I have heard a couple of their songs which I really like, but 6 albums? Where have I been? I guess the question will be, will I be wanting to delve into their back catalogue after tonight’s show or not.
But before I find this out we have Laura Evans, a Country/Blues singer songwriter from the Valley’s in South Wales, who is accompanied tonight by Joe Coombs on guitar to entertain us. I have to confess, the thought of Country Music can have me wanting to rush straight to the bar, but as I have a rule of always giving support bands a listen, I will at least stay for a couple of songs before I do. Joe Coombs starts with a guitar intro before Laura Evans came on stage. “Hello Leeds” and straight into ‘Solo’. From the off the vocal has me hooked and there is a catchy grove to go with it too. What a start! ‘Fire with Fire’ is next which is Laura Evans’ new single, which is out now and from her up and coming album, which is due for release on the 1st July. Another belter, great song and what a voice as Laura screams ‘Burn Us Down’. Laura tells us it’s her first time in Leeds and that she is not from Nashville or Texas but from the Valley in South Wales and then goes straight into Chris Stapleton’s ‘Arkansas’, which is delivered with some oomph. Its a great version with some tasty licks from Joe on electric guitar.
Another new song, ‘Fool’ from her forthcoming album as Laura explained it was about someone from her past that made her feel pretty stupid. Someone from the crowd shouted “What a wanker” and to everyone’s amusement Laura agrees saying, “Those words exactly” before going on to explain that not much rhymes with wanker so she couldn’t use it. “Didn’t think you would replace me so quickly” Laura sings, sending shivers down my spine. So sweet and controlled with amazing vibrato, she has it all vocally. “And the only fool is you”, as the song draws to a close, to huge applause. Wow! You could have heard a pin drop, Laura had captivated us all. Don’t think I will be getting to the bar soon! ‘Gone’ follows which is another top song before the title track from the up and coming album of the same name ‘State of Mind’ is played. Damn, I need this album now! The set concludes with ‘I’m Alright’, a catchy foot stomping, hand clapping number, that really got me grooving… hell, I was almost line dancing! So am I a country music fan now! Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but I sure am a big Laura Evans fan now and from what I have heard tonight she can do no wrong for me. Whether it be called country, blues or even pop I simply don’t care. It was sublime – world class even. Now to the bar for a drink because this country music is thirsty work, but not before purchasing the current EP from the merch stand.
Robert Jon and the Wreck hit the stage at the Brudenell with the song ‘The Devil is Your Only Friend’. What a powerhouse of a song, like a steam train at full speed. Things were slowed down somewhat with the cool vibe of ‘Do you Remember’ with some awesome twin lead guitar, giving it a real ‘Jessica’ feel. If you like your rock Southern Fried then Robert Jon and Wreck are right up there with the best of them. Whether it’s the awesome ‘Everyday’ with breath taking guitar from Henry James or the stadium epic ‘Tired of Drinking Alone’. ‘Oh Miss Carolina’ had the entire Brudenell singing along. But Highlight for me was probably ‘Death of Me’ which started with a beautiful keyboard intro from Steve Maggiora before some of the most amazing and mesmerising guitar playing I have heard for a long time courtesy of Henry James. Wow! Epic stuff indeed. ‘Waiting for your Man’ their current single was greatly appreciated by everyone, but it was ‘Shine a Light’ which closed the show with its good-time party vibe that really got everyone dancing. In fact I even spotted Laura Evans dancing down the front as well. Returning for 1 more song for the Encore we were treated to ‘Cold Night’, a true epic in every sense which went on for a storming 15 minutes or so. This was steaming hot Southern Rock at its very best. Catch them live if you can you won’t regret it. Quite why they are only still playing these intimate venues is beyond me, but I am sure they won’t be for much longer. I certainly will be seeing them again hopefully soon and yes I will be delving into their back catalogue. I have had the taster and I want more.
Photos & words by David Pickles
ROBERT JON & THE WRECK
LAURA EVANS
