The Jesus Lizard is an alternative rock band formed in 1987 in Chicago, Illinois. After the breakup of the band's first incarnation, Scratch Acid, singer David Yow relocated from Texas to Chicago and teamed up with former Cargo Cult guitarist Duane Denison. Finding his abilities on bass guitar lacking, David Yow recruited ex-Scratch Acid bandmember David Wm. Sims for a new project. The band used a drum machine for their earliest recordings and performances before adding drummer Mac McNeilly after recording their first EP Pure.