J. Lansdowne is a guitarist from Atlanta who recently released his debut self-titled album on September 1, 2023. The record was released in a collaboration between Echodelick Records, We, Here, & Now Recordings, Worst Bassist Records, and Ramble Records. Echodelick is also based in Atlanta, so maybe it’s not a coincidence that J. Lansdowne connected with them.
J. Lansodwne’s debut record brings the attitude of punk, mean riffs, and the groove of the blues into a terrific blend of acid rock. I don’t know much about him and the record besides what I’ve heard and the few things I’ve read, but I can tell you it’s one you’ll want to add to your collection.
About J. Lansdowne
The eight songs on J. Lansdowne were recorded at Bunker Audio in Memphis, Tennessee, over two days in the late summer of 2019. Andrew McCalla recorded and mixed the sessions on a Tascam 388 with a Soundcraft series two. Ben Bauermiester heard some rough demos of the tracks the night before and laid down drums on the entire record in a single afternoon.
Arjun Kulharya (Naan Violence) jumped into the mix to lay down half of the fried guitar duel on “Superform.” As you can see, the record was put together quickly with some bursts of spontaneity, which makes it somewhat remarkable, considering how good it sounds. J. Lansdowne may have been sitting on these eight songs for a while, but they did it fast when they went to lay them down.
The Songs
The album starts with “White Hat Law” quietly at first until the drums kick in and the groove commences. What grabs you immediately is the vocals – their urgency and in-your-face enthusiasm. The song and many others sound like what The Black Keys would be like without the poppiness. It’s good psychedelic blues served with meaty sides of wailing guitars.
“Super Form” hits even harder. The groove is impeccable, a foot-stomping, Southern-styled garage rock. This is what rock ‘n roll should sound like, and it reminds me of Fu Manchu at their King of The Road best.
J. Lansdowne’s voice is more distorted in “Killer Boots,” but the attitude remains in spades. He’s not trying any tricks in tracks like this – it’s just raw, unadulterated rock energy.
“Cloudburst” starts surprisingly with an acoustic guitar, the first song to turn down the volume. An electric guitar comes in and plays along during this instrumental track that’s anything but boring. Listening to Lansdowne slide up and down the fretboard is a joy, and he makes the instrument sing.
Next up is “Far Out,” continuing the theme of simple song titles and fairly simple song structures intended as blues rockers. The lead guitar is drenched in wah-wah effects, and Lansdowne pens familiar lyrics of a tripped-out dude who “goes so far out/you can’t go back.” Yes, these are rock lyrical tropes for sure, but for whatever reason, I didn’t mind the cliches coming from Lansdowne because of the genuine energy and enthusiasm he brings to it.
“I Got a Ride” comes with a buzzing fuzzed-out guitar and maybe my favorite riff on the record. The cherry on top is Lansdowne’s solos and simple garage-rock vocal delivery and lyrics. “I think I blew my own mind,” he sings along with the repeated refrain, “I got a ride.” Where’s he going? Only God knows, but it sounds like he’s on a mission.
“Rope Trick” is a swirling, chaotic jumble of psychedelic noise and guitar playing over a rollicking drum rhythm. Lansdowne’s vocals, once again, are slightly distorted, giving them an extra-mean edge.
“Smoking Mirrors” closes the album as the longest track on the record at more than six-and-a-half-minutes. It’s a slower song, and they tend to work well as closers. “Smoking Mirrors” is heavy on the atmosphere, taking the blues out of the equation and focusing on evoking a more reflective feel. Lansdowne still makes room for his guitar solo excursions, which are always welcome.
Final Thoughts
J. Lansdowne isn’t looking to reinvent the wheel with his debut record. And though he treads a similar path as many before him, he crafts eight energetic psychedelic rock songs that blend garage sensibilities and more than a heavy dose of the blues. I’d say it’s the type of music you’d hear at a biker bar, and also excellent music to take a long ride with.
Even if you’re not a Harley guy (or girl), psych rock fans will find much to like about J. Lansdowne’s debut record. Fans of Blue Cheer, White Heaven, MC5, and The Stooges should enjoy this one. Play it loud and often, and head to Bandcamp to support him.
Support J Lansdowne by finding him on Bandcamp.
Support Echodelick Records by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Instagram, Facebook).
Support We, Here and Now! Recordings by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Instagram).
Support Worst Bassist Records by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Instagram, Facebook).
Support Ramble Records by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Instagram, Facebook).
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