Album Review: Rack by The Jesus Lizard

The band Steve Albini claimed to be the greatest band of the ’90s are back with a bang, after 26 years Other than a few reunion shows, the last time the world heard from The Jesus Lizard was back in 1998 and their final album Blue. The four-piece might be a good 26 years older (and possibly wiser), but the real question is, are they still capable of creating searing, vital and utterly energised music? It was Steve Albini, with whom the band recorded four albums, who proclaimed them to be the greatest band of the ’90s. Anyone who was around when they were in their pomp would most likely agree.

Full Review >>

Rack, the first album from post-hardcore legends The Jesus Lizard in 26 years, begins with a show of force: the hook-laden, up-tempo rocker "Hide & Seek" that functions as both lead single and album opener. Translation: if you were expecting a departure from the rough 'n' rowdy noise rock bludgeonings of Jesus Lizard of yore just because they're now a group of 60-somethings, you were mistaken. Youngins are more likely to be acquainted with their admirers, such as Mclusky, Chat Pile, and, yes, Nirvana, than their early '90s classics Goat and Liar.

Full Review >>

After more than a quarter-century, maybe the best that could be expected from the Lizard It seems that David Yow never stops being David Yow, and the Jesus Lizard are here again as nothing less or more than The Jesus Lizard. From three album's-worth of howling noise-rock to an ignominious wet-bucket ending in the form of '98's Blue, it seemed the story of the Lizard had run its course. Only now, after smouldering in silence for 25 years, the ashes are rekindled; let the flames sputter as they may, but they are far from being out.

Full Review >>

It has been 26 years since the Jesus Lizard‘s last studio album, but they return so seamlessly on Rack that it feels like they never went away. The racket these four guys produce together is so singular that the countless bands they have influenced are left with nothing to do but bow in their direction. Everything longtime fans have loved about the Jesus Lizard is here, and there are some tricks up their sleeves, too.

Full Review >>

Around 12 years ago there was an outpouring of both excitement and outrage when two bands from my formative years announced plans to reform. Refused were accused of selling out, having infamously promised that they would “never play together again", but then delivered a tour of electrifying concerts followed by albums of diminishing returns. Conversely, the stratospheric levels of expectation that grew in anticipation for the legendarily unpredictable and chaotic shows of At The Drive-In slowly petered out amidst reports of lacklustre, phoned-in performances.

Full Review >>

If you look up 'noise rock' in the dictionary, you'll find a picture of The Jesus Lizard frontman David Yow in his obligatory live flow: half-naked and writing atop a sea of moshing heads. The Jesus Lizard are both the perfect entry point to and the final word on the multi-headed genre; a heavy, fun, ugly and exhilarating four-piece that have deconstructed rock music and reassembled it in their own depraved image. Following a stream of killer 1990s albums (although later efforts lacked some spark), The Jesus Lizard are back with their first new release since 1998's 'Blue'.

Full Review >>