Lexsis JumpsLexsis Jumps from Pennsylvania, are a band every open-minded individual needs to listen to at least once. I’m not saying this band’s music is for everyone, however, they at least deserve to get a chance from more sets of ears than they currently are. Every band claims to incorporate multiple genres into their tunes, but how diverse are these bands really? Lexsis Jumps actually blend styles of music most wouldn’t dare mix. A lot of bands feel they are attempting something “ground-breaking” by mixing metal, hardcore and grind. All those genres were bred from traditional punk rock, which means they share similar characteristics. It’s been done countless times before over the years. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with mixing such genres/sub genres, however, there certainly is nothing new or original about it either.
This is what sets Lexsis Jumps apart from other so-called “ground-breaking” groups. I’m not implying though, that they are the most original band out there. It is difficult these days to attempt something not already tried, especially within music. Lexsis Jumps mix equal parts hardcore, jazz and metal while adding small doses of R&B, soul and trip-hop. Most importantly though…they do it extremely well! There isn’t a weak cog in their musical machine.
The drumming on this self-released EP, is nothing short of phenomenal. Restrained lounge-like beats quickly explode into maniacal hardcore blasts in an instant. The drums never let up on this CD with killer fills and tight rolls throughout. The bass compliments not only the drums, but the guitar just as well. These songs showcase enough funk to make George Clinton’s ears perk up. The quirky bass lines are a huge reason the jazzy post-hardcore guitar licks don’t come off as pretentious like many At The Drive-In songs did. The guitarist as aforementioned cranks out some excellent and expressive jazz-inspired post-hardcore riffs. When the songs shift into their frenetic moments, the guitar has no problem morphing into a metal attack so thick, you’d swear this band employed two ax-men.
The lyrics on these 4 tracks feature a scathing socio-political attack on the government and society’s shortcomings. Vocalist Deb Cohen delivers these well-written punches with combined beauty and brawn. At one moment her soulful and angelic voice is trapping the listener into a safe state of mind and in the next she is smashing all pre-conceived notions of her delivery by unleashing a brutal roar that most hardcore singers would kill to be able to do. Her voice is equal parts Erykah Badu, Beth Gibbons (Portishead) and Harry Hindley (For The Love Of…). In all honesty, everyone reading this, should do themselves a favor and buy this CD, check the band out live or at the least; hit up the band’s Myspace profile and check them out.
Rating: 5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: (All Of Them) Oh, Terra, The Opportunist, Hang The Messenger & Slitting Mother’s Throat
Synopsis: Lexsis Jumps MySpace