The Devil Is Your Only Friend

The Zoo Crew is spinning the gritty Southern rock anthem "The Devil Is Your Only Friend" by Robert Jon & The Wreck from their 2015 album Glory Bound, and the Zoo Freaks are surely cranking up the volume. This track, the opener for the album, sets a raw, energetic tone with its blistering guitar riffs and driving rhythm, perfectly capturing the band’s signature blues-rock swagger. According to a 2015 review by Blues Rock Review, the song showcases the band’s ability to nail the Southern blues-rock sound, drawing comparisons to The Temperance Movement. Its infectious energy made it a standout, with one fan commenting on SonicHits that the lyrics tell a “bleak” story, yet the sound is so captivating they couldn’t stop listening. The song’s live performance is equally electrifying—during a 2021 Paris show at Les Etoiles, it kicked off the set with a surge of energy that had the crowd buzzing, as noted in a Rock Metal Mag live report.

Digging into the song’s trivia, "The Devil Is Your Only Friend" was recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, a space that’s hosted icons like Led Zeppelin and The Doors. Produced by Warren Huart, known for his work with Aerosmith, the track’s raw power was captured nearly live, giving it that unpolished, in-your-face vibe, as mentioned in a 2015 Blues Magazine review. Fans on Facebook have praised its Allman Brothers-esque vibe, with one user noting on a 2021 post that the song’s harmonized vocals and searing guitar solos make it a must-hear live. The band themselves shared on Instagram in 2020 that this track was a defining moment for Glory Bound, setting the stage for their relentless touring schedule across the U.S. and Europe. It’s no wonder the Zoo Crew picked this one—it’s a song that demands to be played loud.

Robert Jon & The Wreck kicked off their journey in 2011 in Orange County, California, when frontman Robert Jon Burrison, a vocalist and guitarist with a knack for soulful songwriting, teamed up with a group of talented musicians to form the band. According to their official bio, the quintet—originally including Andrew Espantman on drums, Kristopher Butcher on guitar, Steve Maggiora on keyboards, and Nick Phakpiseth on bass—came together after Burrison’s solo project evolved into a collaborative effort. Their early days were marked by a relentless drive, playing 60 shows across the U.S. within six months of forming and self-releasing their debut album, Fire Started, that same year. By 2013, they’d earned the title of “Best Live Band” at the Orange County Music Awards, a testament to their electrifying performances, as noted on Wikipedia. The band’s Southern rock sound, infused with blues, soul, and a touch of country, was honed through constant touring and recording, with their breakthrough coming with Glory Bound in 2015.

The band’s rise wasn’t without hustle. They recorded EPs like Rhythm of the Road (2013) and The RedBull Sessions (2014) while crisscrossing the country, building a loyal fanbase. Their X account often shares throwbacks to these early days, with posts about late-night gigs and van breakdowns that shaped their gritty ethos. Over the years, lineup changes brought in Henry James on lead guitar and Warren Murrel on bass, with Jake Abernathie joining as keyboardist in 2024, per their website. Their hard work paid off with critical acclaim—Joe Bonamassa himself praised them for keeping classic rock alive, and they’ve shared stages with legends like Buddy Guy and Rival Sons. Today, they’re known for their genre-blurring sound and tireless live shows, as celebrated by fans on the Robert Jon & The Wreck Fans Facebook group.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, check out Robert Jon & The Wreck’s official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and show updates, or join the conversation on X. Fans can also connect with fellow Wreck enthusiasts on the Robert Jon & The Wreck Fans Facebook group, a lively hub for sharing concert stories and favorite tracks. There’s no shortage of ways to #getwrecked with this band.