PIG FUCKER MUSIC
The Jesus Lizard are back, keeping it tight n’ shiny.
It’s the day after Halloween and nearly seven years since the Jesus Lizard last performed in their second hometown of Austin. They are here to headline at the giant outdoor venue the Far Out Lounge as part of Levitation Fest, and Gang of Four have already delivered an intimidating set that left at least one household appliance annihilated (for the record, Jon King and microwave). But instead of the people leaving, they’re staying in droves, not just the aging 1990s faction but people under 30 too. The Jesus Lizard are more popular than ever—not that they actively sought out this new recognition, but like all the best things, it sorta just happened. But how? Journalistic research has uncovered younger fans’ interest in using handheld devices to stream modern bands influenced by the Jesus Lizard (Chat Pile, Metz, etc.). Or maybe Jesus Lizard never stopped being great.
Even though the Lizards have been touring on and off around the world since reforming after a 10-year hiatus in 2009, this feels different. These are not just reenactments of musical brain damage from the classic era; this time there is new material. Rack, which was released in mid-September, might be the best nonfood item to return to shelves since Twinkies resumed production in 2013. When this thing came out, rock critics nationwide, especially in the Southeast, spilled their lattes falling over each other to get to their computers and talk about how great it is.
