Brett Gurewitz, owner of Epitaph Records, has acted rather conservatively over the past couple of years, predominately signing pop-oriented "punk" bands almost guaranteed to move a few units. But one of the foremost thoughts to arise when first listening to Zeke's album, Kicked In The Teeth, is that it's a noticeable departure from Epitaph's most recent trends. Sadly, this is one case where daring and innovation fail to offer any reward.

Before the less- than- a- minute duration of the album's first track has elapsed, one can't help but notice Zeke's raw energy and frenetic approach, qualities strong enough that some people might be tempted to call them a punk band. However, further examination reveals that Zeke are essentially cock-rockers. The singer sounds like Iron Maiden's early vocalist Paul Dianno, and fittingly, one the band's songs is entitled "Aces High." Their lyrics show an obsession with sex and fighting (e.g. "Fuck All Night" and "Kicked in the Teeth"), tried and true cliches of rock-n-roll's baddest boys. The liner notes fail to include the lyrics-- perhaps the band recognizes they would be a source of embarrassment-- but in their stead, we have letters from law enforcement types and one extremely jaded ex-girlfriend to show us that Zeke are hard, Zeke are cool, and Zeke conduct themselves in a pretentious and cocky manner, likely learned from watching live videos of Guns 'n' Roses concerts.

The music just isn't strong enough to warrant or excuse the band's bothersome attitudes. Vocalist Marky Felchtone runs two notes into the ground for most of the album, tracks blend into one another without the slightest hint of variance, and the only true "song" that wedges its way into listening ears is a mediocre cover of Kiss' "Shout It Out Loud."

Perhaps Gurewitz realizes his output has become too predictable; it's possible he intended Zeke to revitalize the pioneering spirit that made Epitaph the major of independent labels. Nonetheless, having our ears inundated with multiple variations on the same theme is far better than having them badgered with the likes of Kicked in the Teeth.

-Kevin Ruggeri