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| Details / Tracklist: |
1.1 Automaticity1.2 Exquisite Corpse1.3 Last War1.4 Gasoline Rainbows1.5 Not the End1.6 Old Soul1.7 Ray of Sunlight1.8 Deception Island1.9 Sonder1.10 Open Mind1.11 Dead Eyed God |
 | | Description: | Basilisk by J. Robbins, released 2 February 2024, includes the following tracks: "Last War", "Not The End", "A Ray Of Sunlight", "Sonder" and more.
This version of Basilisk comes as a 1xLP.
The vinyl is pressed as a opaque disc. - *Eleven songs by J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines). Recorded at his Baltimore-based studio, The Magpie Cage, between 2021 and 2022 with the assistance of Brooks Harlan (bass), Darren Zentek (drums), Gordon Withers (cello and guitar), John Haggerty (guitar) and Dave Hadley (pedal steel). J. Robbins on Basilisk: 2020 gave us the pandemic, which despite all it's awfulness also gave me a lot of opportunities to write and demo music-but everyone was terrified to get into the same room together to play. Finally, around February of 2021, I called up Brooks Harlan and Darren Zentek and asked if they be down to meet me at the studio and do a 2-day session and see how it turns out. Brooks and Darren were into the idea-we were all in full cabin fever mode at that point and dying to do anything-so I sent them the demos and we did it. The musical connection had always already been there, but the energy that came from all being in the same room doing this together-something we had just spent a year wondering if we'd ever get to do again-was wonderful. It felt like having been lost in the desert, and then finding an oasis. I've never been so happy with a session-both the results and the experience, and the out- come was exactly what I had wanted: something more stripped down and very immediate. We were all fired up and we did a second session in March 2022. In the interim I enlisted some collaborators: Gordon Withers to add cello and second guitar to a few songs, Janet Morgan and her two sisters to sing some harmonies, Dave Hadley to play pedal steel on "Not The End," and Chicago punk legend John Haggerty to add an actual blazing guitar solo to the song "Exquisite Corpse." And I went on working on vocals and overdubs at home. The lyrics were (as always) somewhat therapeutical: "Automaticity" came out of thoughts on aging and remaining present in a world increasingly going on auto-pilot; "Last War" and "Dead Eyed God" work out fears prompted by January 6th and the rise of neo-fascism. More personal matters were trying to work themselves out as well. Recurring childhood dreams ("Deception Island"), surrealist games ("Exquisite Corpse"), and trephination guru Amanda Feilding ("Open Mind") were also in the mix. Another result of pandemic isolation was that I had also been working on more abstract, electronic based music (inspired by my love of film soundtracks, Peter Gabriel's music, and by studio work I had done not long ago with the band Locrian), using granular synthesis, sampling, and software synths. So as Basilisk come together, I wanted to see if I could pull those sounds into the flow of the record, open up it's vocabulary a little and still make something cohesive. Connection has always been the whole point of music making for me. There are so many ways to come at it, and I don't want to close any of those doors. Going forward, I only want to open more of them.Recorded at the Magpie Cage, Baltimore MD
Vinyl lacquers cut at Chicago Mastering Service
Lead guitar on "Exquisite Corpse" recorded at Million Yen, Chicago IL
Music and lyrics © 2023 J. Robbins
Cyni-scope Publishing BMI
The title is consistently printed as "Basilisk" across the release."Basilisk" is a long-awaited LP by J. Robbins, released by the influential independent label Dischord. On this record, Robbins sharpens his well-known strengths: emotionally charged songwriting, intricate guitar work, and a powerful yet transparent production that leaves every detail audible. The album moves confidently between dynamic, driving songs and more introspective, atmospheric moments, creating a coherent arc that rewards repeated listening. Clear, forward-pushing rhythms meet harmonically rich arrangements and lyrics that combine personal reflection with a subtle social awareness, without ever becoming didactic.
Sonically, "Basilisk" balances raw energy and precision. The guitars alternate between angular riffs and wide, shimmering textures, while the rhythm section delivers a tight, organic foundation. Robbins' vocal delivery is expressive and nuanced, lending the songs a direct intimacy that feels close and authentic. The production places great value on clarity and space: nothing sounds overcompressed or polished beyond recognition, so the record retains the immediacy and tension of a live performance. Whether played loudly on a full system or quietly on headphones, the LP maintains depth and impact.
J. Robbins is an established figure in the independent music scene, known for his work as a musician, songwriter and producer. Over the years he has earned a reputation for crafting intelligent, emotionally resonant guitar music that avoids clichés and trend-driven sounds. His projects and collaborations have been repeatedly praised in the underground and alternative press, and his characteristic production style--powerful yet detailed--has shaped numerous records by other artists. With "Basilisk", Robbins underlines his standing as a consistently evolving artist who continues to refine his voice and craft.
The LP format underscores the album's design as a complete listening experience. The sequencing of the sides is clearly deliberate: each side begins with an immediately engaging track and builds towards a particularly intense or expansive piece that closes the side with a sense of resolution. This makes "Basilisk" ideal for listeners who like to consciously put on a record, drop the needle and immerse themselves in a cohesive musical narrative. The artwork and presentation complement the music, making the LP an attractive physical object for collectors and fans.
Dischord, the label behind this release, is one of the seminal names in independent music. Known for its strong DIY ethos and artist-friendly structures, Dischord has always focused on authenticity, integrity and community rather than quick commercial success. Over the decades, the label has become synonymous with uncompromising, innovative guitar music and has played a key role in the development of an entire scene. A release on Dischord stands for continuity, credibility and a deep commitment to artistic freedom--qualities that are clearly audible in "Basilisk" as well. | | | No. of tracks: |
11 |
| | Manufacturer No.: |
DIS196V |
| Product Safety
Responsible Person for the EU:
375 Media GmbH
Schlachthofstra?e 36A, 21079 Hamburg, DE
https://375media.com | |
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