Review Summary: Little Rock's best hardcore band bangs out an ear-annihilating 7".
Hardcore from Little Rock, Arkansas. I managed to catch their show at Rampage park in Jackson in mid-December. There, I purchased a test press of Involuntary Convulsions (Give Praise Records).
Jungle Juice seems very intent on scaring the life out of you. Even if this is not their intention, they succeed/manage to do so. This 7" is filled to the brim with malicious vocals, pounding rhythms, and very impressive instrumental work. Dark, grueling guitar work and vocalist Stanley Liszewski's harsh vocals pull these songs together, delivering a strikingly impactful listening experience.
The 7" gradually unfolds, piece by piece. Side A (side "prey") opens with, what else, "Prey". Notable feedback shrieks in the background as the opening riffs force themselves into place. With the first two tracks, Jungle Juice seems to attack general consumerism, the world's condition, and takes on a political vibe (something most bands would be apathetic about), however, the band takes a more personal turn with "Blind", showing the band's lyrical diversity. Unless, of course, there is some metaphorical sense I am missing. Decide it's deeper meaning for yourself. Side Prey ends with "H.M.N.B.N.G.", which is a five second song that vividly finishes off the first dose, in a way that seems to honor early Napalm Death songs. ("You Suffer", anyone?)
Side B (side "decay") offers a couple of short, grooving tracks: "Constant Decay", a short, to-the-point tune with some enthralling rhythms and groovy guitar work. Also present is one of my personal favorites, "Three Days", which pounds through the turntable's speakers with brutal force. We then have the eerie, two minute instrumental "Refractions", which sets a strange mood for this record. "Womb of Medusa", another favorite of mine, abruptly ends this 7", and in a phenomenal way.
I am quite proud to have this 7" in my collection. It stays on my turntable. To be such an internet nerd, I am very far behind on the release of new vinyl (and other media), so I am unaware of the actual presses of the 7" as of now. Supposedly there were some gold records coming out. Check this one out. Look out for the group's Bandcamp page. Check out some of their other material, as well, for it bodes well and deserves a place in your collection.
