ALBUM REVIEW: Rack – The Jesus Lizard

When noise/alternative rock legends THE JESUS LIZARD initially split in 1999, it signalled the end of one of the most inspiring and wildest bands of their generation, with their chaotic live shows and an influential series of albums going down in underground/alternative rock history. Whilst they never reached the commercial heights of some of their peers (the band famously resisted a split with NIRVANA in 1993), they released a slew of influential albums on Touch And Go Records (Head, Goat, Liar and Down) and a pair of major label offerings in Shot and Blue. They were always a band who did things their own way and on their own terms, and that they left these albums in their wake was a true blessing indeed.

THE JESUS LIZARD did get back together for a reunion tour between 2008 and 2010 but after that, sporadic live shows were the only activity from the band until whisperings, rumours and then teasing from the band and Mike Patton‘s Ipecac Recordings began to hint at a potential return. Those whisperings turned out to be true as the band announced a brand new studio album Rack, a mere 26 years after their last album Blue.

The first track they released, Hide & Seek, sounded as if they hadn’t been away, such was its sweeping power, and Rack (obviously continuing the band’s theme of having all their albums titled with four letters) phenomenally sees them sounding just as vibrant, abrasive and life-affirming as they did back in the 90s. This is a riot of a record from beginning to end and it feels so good to have THE JESUS LIZARD back and sounding as good as ever.

From the energetic and aforementioned opener Hide & Seek onwards, the band don’t let up with their fantastic noise, with tracks like the aptly named Grind, the low slung groove of What If? and the gloriously full-on racket of Falling Down showing THE JESUS LIZARD at their best, all the way until the punky jazz groove of Swan The Dog finishes things off and you can pick your jaw up off the floor.

The members of THE JESUS LIZARD (all of whom were present as far back as the band’s debut LP) are on undeniably fine form here. David Yow was always a formidable vocalist and a maverick as a frontman and on Rack he sounds as good as ever with his instantly recognisable howl still intact. Duane Denison is still one of the finest guitar players in rock and his jagged but crystal clear tone and playing will still send shivers down your spine. Add to that the brilliant rhythm section of bassist David Wm. Sims and drummer Mac McNeilly laying down a groove with enough weight that could level any structure and you have a match made in heaven.

As if the brilliance of Rack wasn’t enough, THE JESUS LIZARD will be touring in support of the album and as their live shows were always so incendiary this is not to be missed at any cost as the songs from Rack will fit perfectly into their live set. There hasn’t been a band to return after so long with as much impact as THE JESUS LIZARD have here with Rack and they totally shame bands half their age (and more) with this display of energy and discordant brilliance. THE JESUS LIZARD are more than back with a serious vengeance and it sounds utterly glorious.

Rating: 9/10

Rack is set for release on September 13th via Ipecac Recordings.

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