Zeke

"Ride With Zeke" has quickly become the mantra for the people who have accepted the invitation brought by on Heckler Magazine when they said, "Welcome the new monsters of rock." And believe me, they are monsters. Ever since their very first gig at the Rock City in Seattle in 1993, people have had no choice but to pay attention. Their records will assault you, and their live show will batter you.

"Dirty Sanchez" is Zeke's second Epitaph release, and it rocks like a motherfucker. From the very beginning quote that says (and foreshadows) "Hey, he's acting weird, it must be drugs!" to the last roar of the Fleetwood Mac cover "Rhiannon", you'll be bludgeoned with tireless energy. It's an album of 16 songs that clocks in at 21 minutes that was produced by Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks).

Before becoming a member of the Epitaph family, Zeke put out many singles on various little punk labels. Their first two releases were the "West Seattle Acid Party" on Wrecking Ball Records, and the "Holley 750" 7" on IFA Records. Several singles later, and two full-length records on Scooch Pooch ("Super Sound Racing" & "Flat Tracker"), the infamous Fletcher from Pennywise threatened to quit PW if they didn't get signed to the big E. And that's exactly what happened (yeah right), and so "Kicked In The Teeth" is now in the history books.

Throughout the time that Zeke have been on Epitaph (since April '98) they have toured relentlessly. They have literally been on 10 different tours, including tours with Jerry Cantrell (from Alice In Chains), ALL, Voodoo Glow Skulls, DOA, Supersuckers, and a few dates with Pearl Jam...they even toured Europe, Japan and Australia. But it's the good 'ol US of A that the band calls home, and Marky Felchtone said, "Austin, TX is my favorite place to tour...cuz it kicks ass!"

When you're a punk band that is eternally touring, strange things are bound to happen that will have as much of an influence on the band as the music that got them started. Kiss, Black Flag, The Ramones & Black Sabbath would all get a run for the money when it comes to Zeke antics. When asked about some specifics, Marky Felchtone rattled off a brief list that went like this: "Drum sticks in eyes, broken bones, incidents involving cake, drugs and under-aged females, Black Metal homicides, etc...you name it"...I hope he was joking. But why does Zeke love touring so much? "All the thousands and thousands of dollars, chicks & booze...and it's the best reason to avoid real responsibility."

I asked Marky where he saw himself in 1 year, and in 5 years, he said "In one year, at the liquor store, outside with no money. In five years, at the right hand side of my Master." Now that, my friends, is ROCK!