Zonk is a genre-bending collaboration between guitarist Paul DeHaven and drummer Robin Chestnut. Long-time musical partners, the duo reunited with one mission: to hit record and let the music take control.
Their debut album, released last month via Island House Recordings, captures the raw energy of their free-flowing jam sessions—an electrifying fusion of sound that feels alive, unpredictable, and vibrantly kinetic.
Zonk is an unrestrained conversation between two masterful musicians, with each note and rhythm pulsing with creative electricity.
Paul DeHaven (best known for being the songwriter and guitarist of the Americana band Heavy Diamond Ring) and Robin Chestnut (a powerhouse drummer revered across Colorado’s music scene) don’t just play their instruments on this new record—they unleash them.
With Zonk, they venture far from their Americana origins, diving headfirst into uncharted sonic territory with an entirely new enthusiasm for their catalog. Channeling the raw grit of Link Wray, the hypnotic grooves of Mdou Moctar, and the explosive intensity of Fugazi and Mars Volta, the duo creates a euphoric storm of sound. It’s not chaos for chaos’s sake; it’s an exuberant release of energy, a bold reimagining of their musical roots.
Island House has become known for its esoteric ambient records and offbeat instrumental sounds. Whether it’s Nick Millevoi’s moon-worshipping guitar meanderings or Vague Plot’s jazz fusion, Island House has consistently delivered the goods in a package that blends genres and keeps things interesting.
That’s why I was surprised when I listened to Zonk. While the record is undoubtedly offbeat instrumental music, the Zonk guitar and drum duo come at us with rougher edges and something more resembling rock than I’ve been accustomed to at Tim’s label.
I’m not complaining. Zonk is a terrific record of improvised instrumental rock tracks that maintain the Island House’s independent spirit while refreshingly adding the harsh tones and power of rock ‘n roll.
The duo behind Zonk also departs from their previous work in this debut record. Both artists are grounded in the Americana tradition, but you won’t hear any of those influences on Zonk.
Instead, Zonk deals with experimental rock’s heavy, weird, and abrasive rock tones. The duo does not strive for ethereal soundscapes nor bother to shoot for structure of any kind. They let the tape roll and blast out a series of jams that verge on trippy at times but mostly sound like the chaotic swirl of musicians, seeing how far they can extend an idea before it collapses into a frantic mess.
Is it psychedelic? You bet. Some tracks remind me of Elder in how Zonk fashions a powerful guitar-heavy sound that drifts through the cosmos. However, unlike Elder, you will find little progressive rock structure or anything resembling a grand design. And that’s the beauty of it.
If you like free-form jams, you’ll love Zonk. Let the fucking tape roll and capture all of it; sort the rest out later. It’s like being in the room with them, the creative energy bursting into a million outlandish colors, and the noises vibrating like supernatural soundwaves.
If you dig it, check out the rest of the Island House’s extensive catalog, where you’ll find free-form music for the most curious minds.
Check out Zonk on Bandcamp here.
Island House Recordings: Bandcamp | Instagram | X
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