ROBERT JON & THE WRECK/CAITLIN KRISKO & THE BROADCAST 24th September 2023 Quarterhouse Folkstone

If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s worth arriving early to catch the support act, Caitlin Krisko & the Broadcast prove that the answer should always be a resounding yes. To have missed out on this soulful, North Carolina foursome would have been a great shame. But the venue is already bustling, despite this being the band’s first outing in the UK, and though that’s likely due to delays opening the doors, I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed by this masterful performance. Slide guitar, blissful harmonies and Southern charm collide as the Broadcast make their mark. 

Krisko is a magnetic presence with an incredible voice, tearing through funky new single ‘Devil on Your Side’ and the pulsing ‘Operator’ with a style reminiscent of Beth Hart. But the real showstopper is ‘Haunted by You’, a smouldering blues dedicated to anyone hurting, heartbroken or grieving that raises goosebumps and cheers in equal measure. The set concludes with a triumphant rendition of Zeppelin’s ‘Rock & Roll’, Krisko’s tribute to all the wonderful music to have emerged from the UK. We’ve certainly made more than a significant contribution over the years but I can’t help feeling that the Americans might now be trumping us Brits when it comes to classy, blues-based rock. And hearing the rapturous applause and post-show murmurings, it’s clear Caitlin Krisko & the Broadcast have gained themselves a room full of fans tonight.

Judging by the number of Maid of Stone t-shirts on display, most of this audience caught Robert Jon & the Wreck’s much lauded performance at the festival this summer and have come back for more. No surprise really, as ‘Pain No More’ introduces a set that is close to perfect. Yes, there’s a couple of mishaps; drummer Andrew Espantman comically admits to starting the wrong song at one point and there’s a forced pause during the painfully romantic ‘When I Die’ as an audience member faints and has to be escorted out. But nothing can alter the fact that this is beautiful, absorbing music that radiates relaxed, California vibes with a definite Southern influence. 

There’s something of Skynyrd in the lush twin guitar and keyboard flourishes that punctuate ‘Do You Remember’, a song that builds beautifully to a rousing crescendo. ‘Tired of Drinking Alone’ boasts an infectious chorus at odds with the melancholy lyrics. ‘Don’t Look Down’ bounces with optimism, in contrast to the yearning ‘Gold’ that aches with the pain of a broken heart. The band are all worthy of note, incredibly talented, but bassist Warren merits a special mention, succeeding in making a bass solo enjoyable! 

It’s the final show of the UK tour, and frontman Burrison lets us know, encouraging us to sing ‘Oh Miss Carolina’ at the top of our voices. We oblige, and there’s a clever pause mid-song, just long enough to ensure a mighty reaction. ‘Cold Night’ gives the band an opportunity to stretch out; Initially stripped back to the rhythm section, it’s a number dominated by extensive jams, culminating with guitarist Henry and keyboard player Jake trading licks. It’s wonderfully old school, the sort of thing Deep Purple were renowned for and frankly, I don’t think there’s enough of it these days! The house lights come up but the audience are having none of it; an encore is demanded, quite forcefully, and the band return to the stage, joined by Caitlin Krisko for a jubilant ‘Shine a Light on me Brother’.

Live music is always enjoyable, but it’s seldom quite so life affirming. Catch this band in the small venues while you can, because Robert Jon & the Wreck are surely a group in the ascent.