Did you ever have to buy a new car stereo? I'm speaking particularly to the older folks who can remember having cassette players in their cars. It's funny, but for me, whenever the 'ol motor in the deck finally died from my constant use, it became a really big deal to replace it. I'd always go for the one that had the most nifty features, and could make an old ENGLISH DOGS tape sound like an orchestral experience. The curious thing is...no matter how much I spent or upgraded, there was always "something missing" about the new stereo, something small that I would miss. Stuff like "I used to be able to listen to the radio while changing discs or rewinding" or whatever.

Well, the new ZEKE cd arrived about two weeks ago. 15 new songs from one of the most powerful punk/thrash bands in rock today, produced by Jack Endino and trimmed to a 3-piece. And, in typical ZEKE fashion, this CD feels like the sonic equivalent of being trampled by Clydesdales. The first thing you'll notice is how much fuller and expansive the sound is (thanks primarily to Jack Endino, I'd think). You'll also notice many of the tracks, especially with regard to guitar tones and vocals, sound almost exactly like classic MOTÖRHEAD circa 1978. For example, the lead that Marky slides into in "Hold Tight" sounds so much like Fast Eddie, I actually checked the liner notes for a guest appearance. There's also a remarkable resemblance between "Dragonfly" and the classic "Iron Horse". The album contains a lot more midtempo stuff as well (and those tracks breathe fire as well). "383" for example is on par with older ZEKE moshers like "Liar" and "Let's Get Drugs".

But, very much like my old car stereos, as impressed as I was with the expanded sound and classic vibes, there are some things I miss from "Death Alley". Basically, I miss those little nuances. For example, the songwriting on this disc, while more varied in tempo changes, doesn't stick in your head like the last album. The songs don't kick your ass as consistently track-to-track (like "The River" / "Night Rider" / "Into The Night", etc.) the way "Death Alley" did. Also, while this album has more dimension, there are many times that I longed for the more icepick-sharp, straight-up "One Two Fuck You" of their classic thrashier stuff. Not that this album is without thrashers...as the curiously titled "The Hammer" (not the MOTÖRHEAD song) and "Roller" really rip it up smartly. Plus I obviously miss the guitar harmonies, but what are you going to do?

All in all ZEKE shows off a bigger sound, more mid-tempo slammers, less straight-up thrash. An absolute tornado of a rock album...but I think I like "Death Alley" better. I wonder if Sonny will be playing a Rickenbacker at the shows ?

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: www.zekeyou.com

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