21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting mixture of little girl vocals & demented screams, November 11, 2001
Lead vocalist Jessicka sounds like Kathleen Hannah of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre--girlish vocals one line, shrieking like a demented vixen the next. And the music is comparable to Bikini Kill too, a metal-punk hybrid, or is it punk-metal? Much of this is due to Jessicka and guitarist Ho Ho Spade.
"American Made" sets the tone for the album, and a perverse one at that. Lines like "Momma's apple pie got a cockroach in it", "Burn the flag with a fag" (British slang, not American), and "My world is evil but American made." Sometimes, with the overly materialistic lifestyle and economic policies we have in this world, that "but" should be replaced with "and."
"My Cat" is a humorous song extolling the virtues of her cat, who can break her arm in seven places, burn the Bible, and play guitar. And of course, Jessicka's cat is everything to her. Hmm, sounds like a certain music and video reviewer I know.
"Working With Meat" works well, with desensitization a major theme of the song, whether it is after a bad relationship, shoving coke up one's nose, even to the point that "the maggots eat away." The theme here is past caring.
Decay seems to play a theme here, especially with songs like the aforementioned "Working With Meat", "Lollirot". Heck, if we include moral decay, let's throw in "American Made".
A visual theme permeating throughout is dolls. The album cover, with the girls' heads on featureless bodies, the album song titles on the rear side in red, as if carved into the doll body with a razor, and the topless Raggedy Ann doll in the inside sleeve, which has a lyric from "Cumpdumpster" written beneath it.
It's a treat when Jessicka shrieks, which she does for a phrase or two during a song. A worthy effort in the metal/punk hybrid pantheon.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Aggro Rock, December 7, 2003
Jack Off Jill's debut 'Sexless Demons and Scars' is truly one of the most unique and disturbing releases in recent history. The combining childlike female singing (and abrasive screaming) with simple but alluring guitar riffs is surprisingly amazing. It basically sounds like the soundtrack to a little girl's nightmare. The shoddy production and -at some points - simple lyrics seem to enhance the all around experience instead of lessen the blow. To compare 'Sexless Demons and Scars' to Jack Off Jill's sophomore - and final - release 'Clear Hearts Gray Flowers' is asinine. The two are completely different in sound and all around atmosphere (though I myself prefer the later release). The themes behind most of the songs are sick as he ll. I mean you must love a lyric like "My little girlscout your mouth is getting sour, would you love me any less if I hurt you anymore..." (from my favorite track "Girlscout"). Or - from another great song "American Made" - "Burn the flag with a f ag...". Very entertaining. Granted, the album has no "Losing His Touch"es or "Nazi Halo"s, but it is still a must hear. The album is excellent but you must hear 'Clear Hearts Gray Flowers' (I love that record!) to truly undersand their genius. If you want a twisted rock and roll album this is it. A must have.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Jack Off Jill rises to expectations for a first album, August 12, 1998
By A Customer
For Jack off Jill first attempt, I think they lived up to their potential. There was a lot of pressure on the band from Marilyn Manson, also from Florida, to make a record that would shock people as much as he does. JOJ manages to do this without losing their "realness." Unlike Marilyn Manson, they do disturb (with songs like 'cumdumpster' and 'swollen') but not for MTVs shock appeal, but for themselves. Jessicka's voice has outstanding pitch changes in her songs, as well aspersonality changes. She goes from cute little girl to screaming angry riot grrl. Her lyrics can be very personal, it seems as though this is how she gets her feelings out. Anyone who's ever been vulnerable, angry or has ever sneered at the world around themselves can easily relate. Bassist Robyn Moulder is the real talent among the "backup" (if you will) musicians. Ho-ho Spade and Lauracet Simpson didn't even last for the Sexless Demons tour with Switchblade Symphony and Psychotica. Former Manson member Scott Putesky has replace Spade. All in all, this is an excellent record for those brave enough to give it a chance. (They also give a great live show)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No