J. Robbins, the creative force behind post-hardcore pioneers Jawbox and the dynamic Burning Airlines, has announced the release of his much-anticipated second solo album, “Basilisk,” scheduled to drop on February 2 via Dischord.
This announcement comes with the debut of a new single, “Exquisite Corpse,” showcasing Robbins’ evolution as a solo artist.
Reflecting on the album, Robbins shares a candid insight into its creation, “2020 gave us the pandemic, which despite all its 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.”
This period of isolation and uncertainty led to a unique recording process in early 2021, as Robbins explained, “Finally, around February of 2021, I called up Brooks Harlan and drummer/dear friend and long-time collaborator Darren Zentek and asked, if we all tested negative for a couple of days in a row, remained masked, etc, would they be down to meet me at the studio and do a 2-day session where we work up the songs on the spot, hit record, and see how it turns out.”
The resulting album, “Basilisk,” is a testament to the raw energy and immediacy born from these sessions. Robbins’ desire for a more stripped-down and live sound is palpable throughout the record. “I’ve never been so happy with a session – both the results and the experience,” Robbins enthuses, highlighting the organic and spontaneous nature of the album’s production.
Robbins’ journey into solo work, which began with his first solo album “Un–Becoming” in 2019, continues to be a profound exploration of his artistic essence. “Basilisk,” like its predecessor, is not just a side project but the central current of Robbins’ creative efforts. The album is influenced by a range of musical inspirations, from Killing Joke to Britpop and shoegaze bands, and even early Sparks and Frank Black’s live-to-2-track records.
Robbins elaborates on the album’s thematic depth, “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.”
In addition to the core trio, the album features contributions from Gordon Withers (cello and second guitar), Janet Morgan and her sisters (harmonies), Dave Hadley (pedal steel on “Not The End”), and John Haggerty’s blazing guitar solo on “Exquisite Corpse.”
Robbins also plans to bring “Basilisk” to life on stage, announcing a full-band tour starting February 15, 2024. The tour will kick off in Columbus, OH, at Ace of Cups, followed by performances in major cities including Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, Troy, Medford, Philadelphia, and concluding in Washington, DC, at Comet Ping Pong.
February 15th: Columbus, Ohio, performing at Ace of Cups
February 16th: Chicago, Illinois, live at Beat Kitchen
February 17th: Cleveland, Ohio, at the Grog Shop
February 18th: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at The Government Center
February 20th: Brooklyn, New York, Union Pool venue
February 21st: Troy, New York, rocking at No Fun
February 22nd: Medford, Massachusetts, at Deep Cuts
February 23rd: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, performing at Johnny Brenda’s
February 24th: Washington, D.C., live at Comet Ping Pong
