Now a decade old, this veteran punk/core outfit surprises with a self-released local effort that’s refreshingly slick and radio-ready. At times resembling System of a Down gone thrash-o-matic, Jump the Shark gnashes chunky Metallica guitars behind sore throat vocalese that’s shockingly catchy. There’s a good deal of craftsmanship involved in tunes like opener “Linda Blair,” with its Exorcist-sampling intro, and the moody atmospherics opening “Programmed to Snap” demonstrate a familiarity with spaghetti Westerns. Shitty Advice delivers a speedy, satisfying 30-minute blast.

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This article appears in April 5 • 2019.

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Tim Stegall contributed to The Austin Chronicle 1991-1995, and was a staff writer 1995-1997. He returned as a contributor in 2013. He has also freelanced for publications ranging from Flipside to Alternative Press to Guitar World. He plays punk rock guitar and sings in the Hormones.