Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? The Jesus Lizard, the emblematic noise-rock mavens of the 90s, are not only gearing up for their first series of live shows in five years but have also just teased their much-anticipated comeback with the single "Hide & Seek." This track is our first taste of their upcoming album "Rack," scheduled for release on September 13 via Ipecac Records, marking their first full-length venture since the revered 1998's "Blue."
"Hide & Seek" explodes out of the gate as the opening track of "Rack," described by frontman David Yow as "a perky ditty about a witch who can't behave." With hooks as potent as a Mike Tyson fight, this song encapsulates the quintessential Jesus Lizard blend of chaotic soundscapes and enigmatic lyrics. Duane Denison's guitar work fractures octaves with a precision that can only come from decades of mastering the fretboard, backing Yow's cryptic, tragi-comic narratives that feel as fresh and unsettling as ever.
For those of us who missed the raw, electrifying performances of The Jesus Lizard due to our unfortunate timing in the generational lottery, "Hide & Seek" serves not just as a throwback to their sonic glory days but as an invigorating promise of what’s to come. As the band sets the stage for their revival, they remind us all that while they may have been out of the studio, they’ve lost none of their edge or energy.
The anticipation for "Rack" builds as the band prepares to take their rejuvenated ferocity on the road, starting with a performance at Third Man Records in Nashville this week. The tour will see them playing at various locations across North America and Europe, bringing their legendary live performances to both long-time followers and new fans like me, who have yet to experience their tumultuous shows live.
So, dust off your Docs, prepare your earplugs, and get ready for a ride back to the wild side of rock. "Hide & Seek" is just a taste, a teaser, a promise that The Jesus Lizard is back and they’re here to shake the foundations once more.