Pittsburgh-based band jumps high and makes it

Every Winter Morning

Lexsis Jumps

Self-released

Recommended if you like:…

Every Winter Morning

Lexsis Jumps

Self-released

Recommended if you like: Glassjaw

Editor’s Note: Josh Cohen of Lexsis Jumps is a senior staff writer at The Pitt News.

Music these days is getting pretty stagnant. Everyone’s capitalizing on one kind of style, hoping that it’s what everyone enjoys.

But guess what? One of Pittsburgh’s best-kept secrets just released a killer EP.

Lexsis Jumps, formerly known as Lexus Jumps before copyright battles over the name with the Toyota Corporation forced the band to change its name, decided to release this teaser for an album. LJ has always been known for its out-of-this-world style and musicianship, and this EP fails to be anything less than extraordinary.

Vocalist Deb Cohen layers her tenacious Jacob Bannon-esque screams with more balls than ever before. Her brother and drummer Josh bangs the skins for some of the most ridiculously amazing percussion to date, creating a powerful backdrop with bassist Chris Repko. And guitarists Chris Smith and Lewis Stanfield get even more melodic than ever before. The CD itself is very brutal, with tons of murderous screaming and tougher-than-you playing. However, the band has always been on the cutting edge of music and puts together a show that cannot be competed with.

Their best work really comes through in their more delicate sections, however. Deb’s voice carries the band along, with the music accentuating every breath she takes, creating a package that is just absolutely mind-blowing. On previous works, her scream was toned down and she let a lot of her R’B/soul influence meander through the recording. On this EP, however, she demonstrates that she can scream just as well as the boys. It focuses more on her no-BS singing, which is extremely underrated.

At points, you’ll be hearing a heavy Glassjaw influence, and it’s no surprise. The band seems to take a liking to the Warner Bros. Records heroes, and the brilliance of Glassjaw’s work is interpreted quite well by Lexsis Jumps. Do yourself a favor and give an active listen to the title track. It will blow your mind.

The reason Lexsis Jumps does so well is that the band members are always maturing and adapting their sound to be something other than mainstream, something that appeals to their fans as well as themselves. They remain a force with which to be reckoned in 2004, and I strongly urge you to get a chance to see them live.

Who knows? By this time next year, they could be touring all over America, signed to a major label. Don’t let this band slip past your radar – you would be missing one of the best local bands in years.