Rager

Zoo Freaks, it's your chill Zoo Crew DJs, crankin' the wax with that fiery Southern rocker "Rager" by Robert Jon & The Wreck, straight from their 2024 powerhouse album Red Moon Rising. Dig this vibe—it's a thunderous beast born from a loose jam session that exploded into what lead guitarist Henry James Schneekluth calls "an atomic bomb of sonic fury," channelin' the glory days of '70s hard rock with gritty organ and synth blasts, a funky raucous drum groove, and a thumpin' bass line that builds to a Deep Purple-style frenzy. As Henry shared in a Blues Matters Magazine interview, "We present to you a new level of heaviness to get wrecked to—‘Rager’!" Produced by the legendary Kevin Shirley, this bonus track on the CD edition was the final single dropped from the album, hittin' like a shot of moonshine after tracks like "Ballad of a Broken Hearted Man" and "Dragging Me Down." Fans on X are losin' it—one devotee posted a reaction vid grippin' about the "boinky tom" drum but givin' it a full 10/10 for the raw energy, while another hailed it as a "high-octane anthem" perfect for road-trippin' under the stars.

Trivia time, y'all: "Rager" snuck out as a vinyl-exclusive bonus on Red Moon Rising, but the full fury hit with the official music video in August 2024, showin' the band tearin' it up in a dimly lit studio, guitars wailin' and keys howlin' like a pack of wolves on the prowl. Over on X, rockers are sharin' stories of blastin' it at tailgates, with one user callin' it "classic recipes in 2024" for that timeless riffage, and another droppin' it into their Spotify queue as the ultimate party starter. In a Rockposer review, scribe Peter Scallan raved about its "sixties-inspired Hendrix riff" that sprints to the finish like Deep Purple on a bender, provin' these Cali boys ain't just playin' Southern rock—they're wreckin' it with fresh fire. It's got that infectious hook that makes you wanna raise a glass to the chaos, especially knowin' the band's donated proceeds from other vids like "Give Love" to Joe Bonamassa's Blues Foundation, keepin' the spirit alive.

Speakin' of roots, Robert Jon & The Wreck fired up back in February 2011 in sunny Orange County, California, when frontman Robert Jon Burrison—armed with his soulful growl and rhythm guitar—linked arms with his backing crew: drummer Andrew Espantman, who helmed production on their debut, and a rotation of keys, lead guitar, and bass wizards. What started as Burrison's solo outfit morphed quick when the bandmates decided to cook up original jams together, birthin' a sound that's equal parts Allman Brothers swagger, Lynyrd Skynyrd grit, and modern Cali edge. Just six months in, they self-released their debut album Fire Started, produced by Espantman himself, and hit the road for a DIY national tour hittin' 60 shows—pure hustle, man, sleepin' in vans and winnin' over dive bar crowds with boogie grooves and whiskey-soaked lyrics.

By 2013, they'd leveled up with the EP Rhythm of the Road, recorded at Hollywood's Swing House Studios with producer Warren Huart, nabbing "Best Live Band" at the Orange County Music Awards for their sweat-drenched sets. The Wreck kept grindin', droppin' EPs like The RedBull Sessions in Santa Monica and full-lengths at Sunset Sound, tourin' the US and Europe while openin' for heavyweights like Joe Bonamassa, Sturgill Simpson, and Black Stone Cherry. As Burrison told Orange Coast magazine, their influences span funk to prog and stoner rock, all soaked in SoCal ska and punk vibes, but it's that heartfelt storytelling—like co-writes with Nashville hitmaker Dylan Altman on "Down No More"—that keeps 'em evolvin'. From garage dreams to global stages, these guys turned survival rock into a Wreckin' ball, provin' you don't need Southern soil to own the sound.

Keep the Wreck comin', Freaks—head to their official website for tour deets, fresh merch drops, and all the ways to "Get Wrecked!" Link up on Facebook, where 48,000+ faithful share gig tales and album love. On Instagram, @robertjonandthewreck slings live clips and backstage hangs that hit like a riff. Follow the frenzy on X for quick tour buzz and fan shoutouts. For the deep-dive crew, check the Robert Jon & The Wreck Fans Facebook group, a groovy spot for bootleg swaps and setlist debates, or swing by their Bandcamp page for vinyl hunts and rare downloads. Stay ragin', keep spinnin'—peace out!