Live Review: Robert Jon & The Wreck - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
15th February 2023
Support: Meghan Parnell & Dave Barnes (Bywater Call)
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
It’s back to the home of rock today as we head to KK’s Steel Mill for another night of raucous action, headlined by the blues power of Robert Jon and the Wreck.
As the venue fills, the beers are flowing and we are ready for act one. Opening up the evening are the duo of Meghan Parnell & Dave Barnes. Hailing from Toronto, the Canadians are part of a bigger ensemble Bywater Call, but with five members remaining at home, it’s down this pairing to win over the crowd.
It’s Meghan’s voice that hits us powerfully, she has tone and texture to her vocal prowess, it is at times moving to listen to, accompanied all the way by Dave on his acoustic guitar. The forty minutes showcases their material, but with just a voice and a guitar it leaves us wanting more. Hopefully when they return with the rest of Bywater Call later this year we can really feel the effects of the power that this band can surely deliver.
Robert Jon & the Wreck are part of the latest generation of blues rock artists sweeping the scene, along with the likes of When Rivers Meet, they are spearheading the genres continued growth into a new generation. They take to the stage at KK’s Steel Mill at 9pm prompt and are soon serenading the crowd with ‘Pain No More’.
Whilst frontman, guitarist, vocalist Robert Jon Burrison towers over the crowd, a gentle giant if you will, it is his fellow six string wizard Henry James Schneekluth who has the audience mesmerised. Not only is he the spitting image of a youthful Phil Lynott, but his fretboard mastery is second to none. Regular forays to the front of the stage to solo his heart out show just what he is made of, and the Wolverhampton crowd love it.
It is Robert Jon’s distinctively gritty vocals which drive the set forwards. With ‘She’s A Fighter’, ‘Waiting For Your Man’ and ‘Oh Miss Carolina’ the crowd are wowed by the upbeat blues rock the band deliver.
This is a no frills, blues rock show at its best and set closer ‘Cold Night’ comes far too soon, but the crowd love every minute and no doubt they’ll be back soon enough to serenade us once more.
All photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
