LIVE REVIEW: Robert Jon and The Wreck: Live in Leeds

Robert Jon and the Wreck are back in the UK again and tonight they hit the Wardrobe in Leeds. Robert Jon and the Wreck can’t seem to keep away from the UK and likewise, we can’t get enough of them. I have seen Robert Jon and the Wreck a few times before so I know exactly what I am getting and I know they won’t disappoint.

Coming on with ‘Pain No More’ from the latest album ‘Ride into the Light’, ‘Do You Remember’ is up next and a firm favourite with me. It has got that Southern rock vibe in spades and the twin guitar work is sublime. Robert Jon and the Wreck are firing on all cylinders tonight. ‘Hey Hey Mama’ follows from ‘Good Life Pie’ before the chilled vibe that is ‘Tired of Drinking Alone’ keeps the crowd wanting more. ‘Ride into the Light’ is a really catchy number which is also the title track of the latest album, really showcasing the excellent release. ‘Don’t Look Down’ with a bass solo from the mighty Robert Murrel was next.

‘Rescue Train’ with its funky vibe with a shimmering Hammond intro from Jake Abernathie follows, before Henry James on guitar let’s rip at the end with a mesmerising solo, getting a huge applause from the appreciative Leeds audience. ‘Bring me Back Home Again’ is a belter, starting with Andrew Espantman on drums before the whole band kick in – what a song! Bringing it right down with some beautiful piano from Jake, this cool song ‘Gold’ showcases Robert Jon’s soulful voice. The song builds to breath taking heights and a beautifully restrained solo from Henry James again, immense.

The band are on fire tonight and better than ever. ‘Oh Miss Carolina’ follows and everyone is singing along, the venue is buzzing. Robert Jon and the Wreck finishing the set with a storming version of ‘Cold Night’ which seems to go on forever, magical. The Leeds crowd were not going to let it end there and demanded more. Robert Jon duly obliged with the excellent ‘Shine a Light on Me Brother’ and what a way to end an excellent night.

I have seen Robert Jon and the Wreck a few times before and this was easily the best I have ever seen them. They have raised the bar on what to expect of them. Robert Jon seemed to have more swagger and confidence than previous performances and the band raised their game because of this. They are definitely in the big league now with this performance, up there with the very best bands out there. They are definitely destined to bigger crowds and venues.

A special mention has to be made of the amazing support band tonight, Caitlin Krisco and the Broadcast from North Carolina. From the moment they hit the stage they captured the audience and held them all night. Caitlin has such a powerful presence on stage and this is clearly where she is meant to be. What a voice Caitlin has, so soulful yet with immense power and the grove that the Broadcast have and how Caitlin weaves this in her performance is mesmerising. She has it all and won over this Leeds audience immediately and they got a huge applause when their set was over and way too soon if you ask me. I quickly descended on the merch table to get a copy of their latest CD, I was so impressed and have been playing ever since. I am sure from the welcome they received they will be back in the UK real soon and I for one can’t wait.