the Jesus Lizard, one of the most iconic and influential bands to emerge in the late 20th century, are back with Rack, their first new album since 1998's Blue. The much-anticipated release is set for 13 September via Ipecac Recordings, marking a triumphant return for the band after a two-decade hiatus.
In conjunction with the album announcement, the Jesus Lizard have released a preview of the 11-track album with the single "Hide & Seek." Described by frontman David Yow as “a perky ditty about a witch who can’t behave, and it’s got nearly as many hooks as a Mike Tyson fight.” The track showcases the band's signature blend of intensity and dark humour. The accompanying video, which can be viewed below, offers a glimpse into the recording process with producer Paul Allen at Nashville's Audio Eagle Studio.
Guitarist Duane Denison notes that while the album contains references to the band's past work, it primarily serves as a point of departure. “We don’t stay there,” he emphasizes, highlighting the band's evolution over the years. Since their reunion in 2009 for a series of live shows, the Jesus Lizard have remained in close contact, both as friends and bandmates. Bassist David Wm. Sims reflects on the album's creation: “We literally only made the record because we thought it would be fun to make the record.” Drummer Mac McNeilly adds, “We are bonded by the music we make, and also by the respect we have for each other.”
Rack Tracklist:
Hide & Seek
Venom
Long Shadows
Mind Trap
Bloodstains
Hollow Man
Silver Tongue
Cracked Mirror
The Lurker
Nightfall
Echo Chamber
the Jesus Lizard have also announced an extensive tour in support of the new album, with dates stretching well into 2025. The tour kicks off on 6 June at Third Man Records in Nashville, TN, and includes performances across the U.S. and the U.K.
Save the date for Rack, and watch the video for “Hide & Seek”:
Upcoming tour
June 6: Nashville, TN - Third Man Records (SOLD OUT)
June 8: Pomona, CA - No Values
June 9: Garden Grove, CA - Garden Amp
September 7: Raleigh, NC - Hopscotch Music Festival
October 13: Las Vegas, NV - Best Friends Forever Music Festival
October 31: Dallas, TX - Longhorn Ballroom
November 1: Austin, TX - TBA
December 9: Pittsburgh, PA - Stage AE
December 11: Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel
December 12: Boston, MA - Roadrunner
December 13: Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
December 14: Washington, DC - Black Cat
December 18: Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
January 7: Glasgow, UK - QMU
January 8: Manchester, UK - Academy 2
January 9: Leeds, UK - Brudenell Social Club
January 10: Bristol, UK - Fleece
January 11: London, UK - Electric Ballroom
January 12: Brighton, UK - Concorde 2
January 14: Belfast, UK - The Limelight
January 15: Dublin, IE - Button Factory
May 2: Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern
May 3: Los Angeles, CA - The Fonda Theatre
May 5: San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
May 8: Portland, OR - Revolution Hall
May 10: Seattle, WA - Neptune Theatre
