Search - Jesus Lizard :: Down

Another jesus lizard CD,similiar to the rest, but still good

drumb | milwaukee, wi United States | 11/24/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As the sonic maelstrom of "Fly on the Wall" is let loose, the understatement of the linear notes becomes painfully obvious. Jesus Lizard's deft musicianship, pummeling rhythms, and passionate howling vocals seem almost otherworldly in their intensity triggering a brutal assault on all fronts. To call "Down" simply an abrasive album wouldn't be giving it enough credit. This CD does not merely repel the senses like so many other "abrasive" recordings but instead launches a full-scale attack that continues at an unrelenting pace from beginning till end. Proving to be the true embodiment of noise rock itself, the individual member's talents easily rival those of legendary noise veterans. Recalling the heyday of Detroit's 1969 proto-punk acts, Dennison's riffs are as heavy as Wayne Kramer and as sloppy as Ron Asheton while David Yow's manic unintelligible rants are easily worthy of Iggy Pop himself. Holding down the bottom end, as always, is Jesus Lizard's first rate rhythm section with Mac McNeilly and David Wm. Sims literally beating every ounce of life out of their instruments. The band's veins course with aggression and power and with the help of Steve Albini's equally confrontational production work, Down proves to be a quite satisfying documentation of the band's raw energy. The only drawback to this CD would be that, although Jesus Lizard's sound is definitely as unique as it is massive, the actual songs tend to be very similar. In the grand scheme though, the repetitiveness of the individual songs tends to not really matter when coupled with the consistently striking overall sound and Down still remains a fairly strong effort. Although perhaps not as memorable as Liar or as innovative as the Head/Pure Eps, Down is another strong Jesus Lizard album, even if it is a largely repetative affair."

Simply the finest

05/28/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This band is the only reason that rock is not spent... They are simply the finest musicians I've heard. There's not anyone out there doing what they've done -- in their rhythms, their melodies, their arrangements, or their lyrics.They are at least 10 years ahead of their time...do they rock, too. I've been listening to Goat since its release. I still listen to it, and find new things in it every time. I've bought 300+ Cd's since it, and there's not one I'd rate as highly."

Down for me is Up

Elizabeth Baldwin | Washington, DC United States | 03/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is probably my favorite JL album, even compared to Liar.
It's just crushing, and bass lines (like on 50 cents) just don't come around often enough. While i am glad to see bands such as the Dennison Kimbel Trio rise from the ashes, the Jesus lizard are just so seminal, and i think this album really captures why."