Artist: Zeke
Label: Relapse Records
Release Date: 4/6/04
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Title: 'Til The Livin' End Artist: Zeke Label: Relapse Records Release Date: 4/6/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Zeke's Relapse debut is a nice little kick-ass rock record. It isn't blowing me away, but I'll be damned if it doesn't put a smile on my face every time I press play. Zeke have a great sense of groove and a laid back, "fuck the world" attitude that is quite compelling.
"One word review: (Warm and) Fuzzy." This is my first experience with this band, and I'm a bit surprised at how much I've read about this being a predominantly 'punk' sounding act. This is true in only the broadest sense. I hear much more Monster Magnet and Kyuss than anything else, and that's probably a big reason why I'm digging this record so much. The guitars are lusciously fuzzy, the vocals are brazen, and the atmosphere is inviting. I could easily see both mainstream kids and High on Fire fans embracing this record because it has a broad appeal whilst maintaining an underground integrity.
This album does have some drawbacks, however. While I like every song on the record, that might be because they all sound the same to me. The album is, for the most part, one effect, one sound, and one tempo for the entire running time. A large part of this might be remedied if the guitarist would just alter his sound a little (someone buy this guy a processor!). The guitar sound is a pleasant, but unvarying, fuzz the entire record, which is quite comforting in a way, but it can also be monotonous.
Of course, every time I start thinking these things, I'm also forced into asking myself if I'm missing the point. Sure, there is a single theme going on here, but maybe that's the way it should be. These guys aren't trying to change the world. They're not attempting to alter your consciousness, they're just giving you a haven for escape. In this sense 'Til The Livin' End is a complete success. Granted this isn't the stuff I listen to every day, but when I'm in the mood for it, Zeke delivers. One word review: (Warm and) Fuzzy.
Death's Review:
Relapse's newest signing doesn't sound like Dillinger, Mastodon, Pig Destroyer or Burnt By the Sun. Alabama Thunderpussy and High on Fire might be the closest analogies on the current roster, but even those comparisons do not come close to describing Zeke (AT is more southern/classic rock and not as punk, High on Fire are more punishingly brutal and stonerish). You know what does come close to describing Zeke? Motorhead. MC5. The Ramones. Black Sabbath. Black Flag. Maybe a little Fireball Ministry. All manner of old-school punk. The Stooges, Iggy Pop. Now you're talking. Zeke are down and dirty rock and roll supercharged with punk's curled upper lip attitude and a lo-fi rock image and sensibility. In short, Zeke are amped-up stoner/punk/classic rock - metalcore, grind and/or death metal this ain't.
"If you like raw 'attitude' rock, you'll like Zeke." So if you like raw "attitude" rock, you'll like Zeke. They've been around for over ten years, been signed to Epitaph and played gigs with Jerry Cantrell, Supersuckers and Pearl Jam in support of albums titled Dirty Sanchez (huh-huh) and Kicked in the Teeth but this Relapse signing is their chance to expose themselves (huh-huh) to the world of underground heavy metal. Don't expect technicality or wide, varying dynamics in the songs. Do expect to rock out with your dirty faded denim and mesh trucker cap on. Personally, while I like to "rock out" as much as the next guy, this isn't exactly to my taste. I can jam this loud while driving fast and enjoy it, but I'd much rather be listening to the new Pig Destroyer or Suffocation albums. That's just me. Hopefully I've given you enough information here to decide for yourself if this one's for you.
Hel's Review:
Zeke can probably best be described as stoner rock with a punk attitude. I enjoyed seeing them last year at the Knitting Factory, and I walked away with a positive impression of the band. ’Til the Livin’ End is pretty much exactly what I expected it to be. For the most part, the songs have a slightly dirty production that is consistent with their style, yet does not detract from the music.
"I recommend fans of the genre be sure to check this one out." In general, this is not usually my favorite kind of music – I love technical death metal above all, so simpler styles like this, and bands like Zeke, have little in common with the bands I’m addicted to. However, there’s a lot to like about this record, and inasmuch as I enjoy listing to music of this ilk, I can definitively say that I really like Zeke.
I recommend fans of the genre be sure to check this one out – I think you’ll be very pleased with what you find here. I also think that this is a great record to have on hand to play when some of your less metal-tolerant friends are around, it would definitely make great party music. Finally, I encourage you all to check them out if they every come to your town – they are a heck of a lot of fun to watch. Go ahead, get down and dirty ’Til the Livin’ End.
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