Pitchfork

The little catalog included with the new Jesus Lizard EP has the following little blurb in it:

"I was wandering the streets of Chicago's North Side when I happened upon a peculiar little record shop... where I discovered the most remarkable thing. The Jesus Lizard was its name... Its five songs have a range that is perfect for strolling the wind-paled shores of Lake Michigan, busking in Wicker Park, or working in a slaughterhouse. Like no other band, the Jesus Lizard capture the spirit and vivacity of the hog butcher of the world." --Carl Sandburg

The last assessment is true. If the Smashing Pumpkins are the face of the Chicago music scene, the 'Lizard is the frentic pulse. Pioneers of the noise- rock movement (with some help from Steve Albini), they make a punk- industrial, guitar- driven sound that has gained them a huge following both in Chicago and throughout the country. Their live show leaves you drained. They're masters of the loud hard- rock riff and pounding bass. The Jesus Lizard is violent, psychotic, reckless and relentless; you sweat just standing still.

However, this eponymous EP is not the most remarkable thing that the band has done by any standard. Only one song, the sociopathic "Eyesore," is worth good mention. The other tracks are pre-fab alternative rock radio staples or experiments with a more subdued noise-rock sound that doesn't really fit the band's style.

This EP will have definite appeal to long-time Jesus Lizard fans interested in hearing Duane, James, and the Davids experimenting with some new sounds and musical styles. But hopefully this record is just a few failed experiments, and not indicative of a new sound for the Jesus Lizard.