Shot

This major-label debut is a marked step back from the full-frontal assault of past Jesus Lizard releases. It's no less confrontational, in that rambling-screaming-derelict-in-your-face way that TJL has patented, but it has a certain cleanliness that is refreshingly new and different. No doubt this will turn off a few noiseheads, but those open-minded enough to give Shot a complete run-through will find there's plenty of musical insanity still kicking around. There are moments of total brainbash such as "Thumper" and "Now Then," but equally interesting are the jazz/blues-isms of "Too Bad About the Fire" and the Fall-ish "Churl." --Adem Tepedelen