Old Friend

The Zoo Crew is spinning the soulful track "Old Friend" by Robert Jon & The Wreck, from their 2018 self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its bluesy, Southern rock groove. This song, a standout on the album, captures the band’s knack for blending heartfelt lyrics with gritty guitar riffs. According to a 2018 post on the band’s Instagram, "Old Friend" was inspired by the bittersweet nostalgia of reconnecting with someone from the past, a theme that resonates with their storytelling style. The band shared in a Bluesdoodles interview that their songwriting often draws from real-life experiences, and fans on the Facebook page have speculated that "Old Friend" reflects frontman Robert Jon Burrison’s reflections on old friendships tested by time and distance. The music video for the song, debuted by The SoCal Sound, was a labor of love, directed by Robin Davey and Greta Valenti of Grow Vision, showcasing the band’s raw energy and Orange County roots.

Another tidbit from the band’s X account reveals that "Old Friend" was recorded at Sonic Groove Studios in Burbank, CA, with minimal overdubs to preserve its live, organic feel. Fans in the Robert Jon & The Wreck Fan Club on Facebook often cite the song’s fuzzed-out guitar and soulful harmonies as a perfect encapsulation of the band’s “Music, Miles, and Whiskey” ethos, a phrase they coined on their Bandcamp page. The track’s relaxed yet powerful vibe has drawn comparisons to The Doors and Lynyrd Skynyrd, as noted by a fan review on Bandcamp, highlighting its genre-blending appeal. The band’s commitment to authenticity shines through in "Old Friend," which they described in a 2018 website blog post as a song that “just poured out” during a late-night jam session, capturing the magic of their collaborative spirit.

Robert Jon & The Wreck began their journey in 2011 in Orange County, California, when Robert Jon Burrison, a vocalist and guitarist with a passion for Southern rock, teamed up with drummer Andrew Espantman. According to their bio on their official website, the band was born out of a shared love for classic rock and blues, with influences ranging from Led Zeppelin to The Allman Brothers Band. Within six months of forming, they hit the road for a national tour, playing 60 shows and self-releasing their debut album, Fire Started. Their early hustle earned them the title of “Best Live Band” at the 2013 Orange County Music Awards, a nod to their electrifying performances. Over the years, the lineup solidified with lead guitarist Henry James Schneekluth, bassist Warren Murrel, and keyboardist Jake Abernathie, each bringing a unique flavor to the band’s sound, as detailed on their Facebook bio.

The band’s relentless touring and genre-blending songwriting have built a loyal global following, with fans connecting through platforms like the Robert Jon & The Wreck Fan Club and #getwrecked hashtag on X. Their official website serves as a hub for tour dates, merch, and updates, while their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of life on the road. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the band’s X account keeps the conversation alive with real-time tour announcements and fan interactions. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener, Robert Jon & The Wreck’s raw, soulful energy is sure to keep the Zoo Crew’s airwaves rocking.