Out of the various bands producer Steve Albini has worked closely with, Chicago-based noise rock collective Jesus Lizard quickly rose to the upper echelon. The group’s latest effort, “Rack” showcases the group’s lasting ability to craft bombastic riffs and an anxious vibe. Duane Denison’s screeching fuzzed-out guitars drove the band, accompanied by vocalist David Yow’s screams and wails. The band became the blueprint for many noise rock acts to follow, influencing a generation of experimental rock.
Hailing from Austin, Texas in the late 1980s, Jesus Lizard found their niche in the early ‘90s, attracting a crowd who sought heavy and discordant rock. The group’s first four albums would prove to be massive hits in the underground, due in part to the unmistakable behind-the-scenes work from Albini. In the mid ‘90s, Jesus Lizard would find newfound success, striking up a deal with Capitol Records in 1995 and landing a slot at Lollapalooza later that year. 1996’s “Shot” would be their highest charting album, peaking at number 28 and remaining the band’s only charting record to date.
The group swiftly disbanded in the late ‘90s after being dropped from Capitol Records and the departure of their second drummer, Jim Kimball. Officially calling it quits in June 1999, the band would see multiple reunions in years since. “Rack” would be announced by the band in June 2024, the band’s first record in 26 years. The announcement also came with the first single, “Hide and Seek.” The track is a high energy opener for the album, surely to rile up any crowd they play for. While the chorus is quite catchy, the rest of the song doesn’t feel similar to the band’s old sound, save for Yow’s unmistakable voice and Denison’s unusual guitar solo.
“Grind” is one of the more interesting cuts from the album. It’s hard to describe the dissonant sound of a Jesus Lizard track, but “Grind” would be a great soundtrack to the final boss in some forgotten GameCube game. “Lord Godiva” has the catchiest groove on the album, due entirely to the band’s steadfast rhythm section, drummer Mac McNeilly and bassist David Sims. The bassline in this song is worth highlighting, a steady drone during the verses and walking in spirals during the choruses. The track also features a bass solo, which is somewhat uncommon in rock, but Sims crafts an infectious solo.
“Alexis Feels Sick” was the second single released and is one of the best songs on the album. Right off the bat, the syncopated drum pattern locks in with the guitar and bass, crafting an increasingly uneasy groove that pairs incredibly well with Yow’s painful moans.
The album’s closer, “Swan the Dog” is a fantastic way to end. The opening motif is one of the most intriguing riffs on the entire album, a descending melancholic lick that erupts into the same loud affair present on the rest of the record.
“Moto(R)” was the third single released by the group, and while it has driving energy that grips the listener, it’s one of the weaker tracks on the record. If not for the guitar solo and vocals, it would sound almost generic. Although, it would fit amazingly well as an instrumental in the “Skate 3” soundtrack.
At a brisk 36 minutes, “Rack” is paced very well. Jesus Lizard fans have been waiting on this record for 26 years now, and it will not disappoint. While it drags at points, its larger-than-life energy carries it throughout the run. This record is a warm return from one of rock’s strangest acts.
Rating: 3.5/5