A perfect blend of the ‘90s punk and modern noise rock
Dominating noise rock since 1987, The Jesus Lizard is no stranger to creating music that refuses to sell out, and the proof is in the pudding: the late legendary Steve Albini recorded four of the band’s albums from 1990-1994. And now The Jesus Lizard is back, releasing their seventh studio album, entitled Rack. These noise rockers are hailed as one of Kurt Cobain’s favorite bands, having toured with Nirvana — a coveted stamp in their musical passport. Although The Jesus Lizard has broken up multiple times, this didn’t stop them from pumping out another incredible album for fans to revel in, and it delivers without hesitation.
Rack offers up the band’s enigmatic sound and to say they haven’t missed a step sums the album up perfectly. Anyone who loves Shellac (Albini’s band), Butthole Surfers, and Scratch Acid will appreciate what The Jesus Lizard has to offer and, although their sound is varied, what they offer musically makes perfect experimental sense. Often called “noise rock,” The Jesus Lizard continues offering a sound that refuses to conform to any single genre and embodies true ingenuity.
Another testament to The Jesus Lizard’s unwavering talent, Rack propels the listener into a conglomeration of the punk rock “do it yourself” ethos, the entire album a trip down 1990s memory lane. Songs from Rack could easily have been featured on Nirvana’s In Utero tour but work seamlessly under a 2024 lens; the band’s sound is timeless, fun, and completely inventive. Each track blends flawlessly with the next, the guitar chaotic but still completely controlled, the vocals gritty and visceral, and the drums working in perfect tandem.
The beauty that lies within The Jesus Lizard’s creativity stems from a beat that infuses fast-paced tempos designed to get listeners up and thrashing about while still weaving in enough melody to make each track catchy and wickedly fun. “Hide & Seek” is an instant reminder that The Jesus Lizard is no stranger to invigorating melodies with the right amount of screeching guitar to be infectious but not overwhelming. “Dunning Kruger” is another animated track that embraces the best of experimental rock while still appealing to wider audiences. The same holds true for “Is That Your Hand?” which offers up an imaginative string of sounds that ebb and flow with enough cohesion to create something artful in its simplicity.
Is their musical universally appealing? That depends on who’s listening, but to those who appreciate talented bands with inventive sounds, The Jesus Lizard does not disappoint. Anyone seeking music for the eternal punk rocker will take comfort in Rack, as The Jesus Lizard still expertly churns out music that fails to conform to mainstream expectations, and their latest album is no exception.
Leave a Comment