Jackson Cavalier & The Big Dead Waltz - Defend Your Illusion (2022)

'Defend Your Illusion' is the fourth full length album by Jackson Cavalier and the first one including his band The Big Dead Waltz. It includes the featured singles "Total Obliteration", and "Jimmy O'Kane" as well as 9 additional tracks.

A departure from Cavalier's signature Americana sound, 'Defend Your Illusion' is described by the composer as a "no-genre" or "post-americana" album. There are elements of indie rock, folk, punk, alt-country, classic rock, and pop that intertwine and intermix throughout the album.

The namesake for the LP comes from the philosophical notion that the reality we exist in is merely an illusion. It poses the question:

"If life is but a dream, should we not enjoy that dream?"

While not a concept album, many of the characters found in the confines of this music fight to defend that illusion and make the best of the reality in which they find themselves in.

The album was recorded at Cavalier's home studio as well as the Submarine Studio located in Rochester, NY. It was engineered and produced by Cavalier, Matthias Galley, and Ben Morey (who also mixed and mastered the album).