The Jesus Lizard

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The Jesus Lizard
The Jesus Lizard (2009)
The Jesus Lizard (2009)
General information
Genre (s) Noise rock , post hardcore ,
alternative rock
founding 1987
resolution 1999
Founding members
David Yow
David Wm. Sims
Duane Denison
Last occupation
singing
 David Yow
bass
 David Wm. Sims
guitar
 Duane Denison
former members
Mac McNeilly
Drums
 James Kimball
Drums
 Brendan Murphy

The Jesus Lizard were an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1987 . The name is derived from the basilisk , a type of lizard that is able to walk over water. The band was formed by singer David Yow, bassist David Wm. Sims (both previously with the post-punk band Scratch Acid ) and guitarist and songwriter Duane Denison.

The band's style is characterized by the interplay of Sims' bass, harsh, industrial-style drums and Denison's guitar playing, which alternates between dark blue textures and rugged punk riffs. Yow's singing sounds like he's screaming through a concrete wall on many pieces. The band was also known for Yow's excessive live performances.

Band history

After the release of the debut album Pure in 1989 on the Chicago label Touch and Go , drummer Mac McNeilly joined the band. Through the alternative boom of the nineties, The Jesus Lizard released the albums Head , Goat , Liar and Down , all of which were recorded by Steve Albini . After the release of the live album Show and the split single Puss / Oh, the Guilt with Nirvana in 1994, the band switched from Touch and Go to the major label Capitol in 1996 , which meant that their budget was sufficient for two more albums, namely Shot and Blue , but also a huge loss of fan base brought in. Shot was created with metal producer Garth Richardson , Blue and directed by Gang-of-Four founder and Red Hot Chili Peppers producer Andy Gill . After the release of the latter album, drummer McNeilly left the band. After a tour with drummers James Kimball (Ex-Mule, Ex-Laughing-Hyaenas) and Brendan Murphy, the band announced their breakup on March 25, 1999 at Umeå Open Air in Sweden.

After the dissolution

Denison and Kimball formed the Denison / Kimball Trio until 1999 and released three albums under the name. Denison is also a member of the band Tomahawk , whose sound is reminiscent of old Jesus-Lizard compositions and consists of Denison, Kevin Rutmanis (Ex-Cows, Ex- Melvins ), John Stanier (Ex- Helmet (band) ) and Mike Patton (ex- Mr. Bungle , Faith No More , Fantômas , Tomahawk ).

David Yow works as an internet graphic artist and director for music videos (e.g. All I Want from The Offspring ). In the meantime he was lead singer in the band "Qui". In 2013, Yow released the album Tonight you look like a spider on Joyful Noise Records.

From 2008, The Jesus Lizard gave individual concerts and smaller tours again , mainly in the USA.

Discography

Studio albums

  • 1990 - Head (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1991 - Goat (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1992 - Liar (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1994 - Down (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1994 - Show (Collision Arts)
  • 1996 - Shot (Capitol)
  • 1998 - Blue (Capitol)

Compilations

  • 2000 - Bang (Touch and Go Records)

Singles and EPs

  • 1989 - Pure (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1989 - Chrome ( 7 " ) (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1990 - Mouthbreather (7 ") (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1992 - Gladiator (7 ") (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1992 - Gladiator / Boilermaker (7 ") (Insipid Vinyl)
  • 1992 - Wheelchair Epidemic (7 ", single) (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1993 - Puss / Oh, the Guilt - split single with Nirvana (Touch and Go Records, 100,000 copies worldwide)
  • 1993 - (Fly) On (The Wall) (7 ", single) (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1993 - Lash (7 ", single) (Touch and Go Records)
  • 1994 - Live at Brixton Academy (Live-7 ") (Dirter Promotions, Fear and Loathing)
  • 1996 - Thumper (Single) (Capitol Records)
  • 1997 - The Jesus Lizard (Self-Titled EP ) (Jetset Records)

Web links