ZEKE’s Snake Eyes 7″ EP is a fierce sonic blitz that embodies everything fans love about this legendary band, fast, loud, and unapologetically raw sound. In these two tracks, ZEKE delivers a head-on assault that feels like it could rip through walls, packing a thunderous punch within its short runtime. The band, still firing on all cylinders after more than three decades, proves that their blend of hardcore punk, speed rock, garage rock, and rock ‘n’ roll is as blistering as ever. From the very first note, ZEKE plunges the listener into a whirlwind of razor-sharp riffs and breakneck tempos. The guitars scream with distortion, each note spat out with precision and aggression. It’s like Motörhead on steroids, faster and dirtier. The way the guitars shred through the songs is relentless, slicing through the mix with an intensity that feels like it could spiral out of control at any moment, but somehow always stays on course. The interplay between raw, gritty riffs and searing, high-velocity solos is a masterclass in speed and chaos, yet there’s a controlled finesse to it all that shows ZEKE’s years of experience.
Their ability to blend hardcore punk foundations with a rock ‘n’ roll spirit is what gives their sound that extra edge. This EP feels like a full-throttle tribute to the raw punk rock energy and garage rock swagger, mashed together into a tightly coiled burst of aggression. The riffs are catchy yet abrasive, melodic enough to stick in your head, but with an edge that could tear it apart. ZEKE shines in this balance between accessibility and aggression. You can hear elements of garage rock’s gritty simplicity but played at a speed and volume that pushes it firmly into hardcore punk territory. Blind Marky Felchtone’s vocals are as ferocious as ever. His voice is a serrated growl that cuts through the wall of sound with venom and purpose. There’s a confident snarl in his delivery, a sneering sense of defiance that complements the furious pace of the music. You can hear the years of punk rock attitude in every syllable—there’s no polish here, just raw, unfiltered emotion. He sounds like a man who’s been shouting over the noise for years, and he’s only getting louder. The lyrics, much like the music, are straightforward and packed with aggression, but they’re delivered with such conviction that you can’t help but get swept up in the storm.
The rhythm section on this EP is equally impressive. Donny Paycheck’s drumming is a non-stop barrage of rapid-fire beats and fills, pushing the music to breakneck speeds without losing any sense of groove. It’s punk rock drumming at its finest, fast, furious, and precise. The beats come at you like a machine gun, with every snare hit feeling like a punch to the gut. But within the chaos, there’s an underlying sense of control that keeps everything locked in place. It exemplifies Paycheck’s skill that he can play with such speed and intensity while keeping the entire band driving forward in perfect unison. Jason Freeman’s basslines rumble underneath the chaos, providing a deep, powerful foundation that gives the music its heaviness. There’s a rawness to the bass tone that complements the heavily distorted guitars, adding an extra layer of grit and menace to the sound. Freeman knows exactly when to lock in with the drums and when to cut loose, giving the songs a dynamic flow that keeps things interesting even as the music charges forward at full speed.
Together, the band creates a wall of exhilarating and overwhelming sound. The sheer speed at which they play is mind-boggling, yet everything is executed with precision. The production on this 7″ is raw but effective, capturing the live energy of the band without sacrificing clarity. Every instrument is given space to breathe, but there’s no denying that this EP is all about volume and intensity. It feels like being caught in a sonic maelstrom where the only way out is to embrace the chaos and ride the wave. What sets ZEKE apart from other punk bands is their ability to inject a sense of rock ‘n’ roll swagger into their hardcore assault. There’s a groove to these songs, even at their fastest moments, that harkens back to the roots of rock music. It’s a sound that owes as much to MC5 or The Stooges as it does to Black Flag, but played at a pace that makes both seem tame in comparison. The rock ‘n’ roll spirit is alive and well in ZEKE’s music, but it’s been twisted and cranked up to a level of aggression that few can match.
While Snake Eyes is just two tracks, it leaves more than a lasting impression. It’s a quick hit of adrenaline, over in a flash but leaving you breathless and wanting more. ZEKE has never been a band to overstay their welcome, and this EP is a perfect example of their ability to pack more energy and attitude into a few minutes than most bands manage in an entire album. It’s a reminder that punk rock is still alive and kicking, and that ZEKE are still one of the genre’s most formidable forces. For fans of hardcore punk, speedrock, or anyone who craves fast, aggressive music, Snake Eyes is an essential listen. It’s a shot of pure, unfiltered adrenaline that will have you pressing replay as soon as it ends. Snake Eyes exemplifies their ability to stay true to their roots while continuing to push the boundaries of speed and intensity. If you’re looking for something fast, loud, and unapologetically heavy, this EP delivers in spades. ZEKE hasn’t lost a step, and Snake Eyes is proof that they’re still the kings of underground punk rock. Head to Hound Gawd! Records for more information about pre-ordering this punk rock gem on 7″ vinyl.
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