Release Date: September 6, 2024
Label: Beef Platter Records
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Z' For "ZOCKO!" is their debut 4-song EP. Hailing from the DC and
Baltimore area, they arrived via vinyl with some very colorful artwork. The
first thought was the Batman TV series I remember watching as a little boy, and
how they would get in a fight with the villains, and all those words would pop
out on the screen like Bam! Pow! and probably Zocko!
They
are an instrumental rock band with some surf edges, but more of the sub-genres
of surf instro are touched upon.
“Fenwick
Drainer” jump-starts side one of the 45 rpm slice of vinyl. There is an
immediate influx of high energy, rapid guitar runs, fiery locomotive drums, and
bass. One hell of a way to kick-start things, with a surf feel featuring some
tasty nuggets of Mexican-influenced notes.
“The
Lonesome Death of Billy Jack” begins with the epic spaghetti western intro,
then a here-we-go gallop through a ready-made scenario for an Ennio Morricone
film. The electric guitar leads are fine with the rapid strumming of an
acoustic backing. Then, suddenly, a big colorful transition and quicker bursts
of the six-strings coming at you from every angle. Excellent!
“My
Summer With Ritu” surely has a summer feel. About halfway through, you hear
some meatier guitar licks, then it transitions back to the softer tasteful
leads. The tempos shift back and forth, keeping the mood upbeat and bright.
Very catchy with plenty of hooks!
“A
Taste of Honey (live)” is great! An Herb Alpert classic and one of my all-time
favorite instrumental artists. The guitar walks the walk on this track as it
should. Can’t say I have ever heard such a rockin’ version of this song! A
unique way to end the platter.
ZOCKO!
has recorded a memorable debut with this EP, showcasing their talent and unique
sound. I’m eager to hear what they come up with next.
Credits:
Sean
"Link" Lally (guitar)
Jerome
"Jeronimo" McManus (guitar)
Joe
"Gringo" Schwartz (bass)
Skizz
"Skizz" Cyzyk (drums)
Recorded
& mixed by Steve Shaw at Shaw Ranch Studio (Newville, PA), except A Taste
Of Honey, recorded live at Holy Frijoles (Baltimore, MD) on December 22, 2023.
Front cover art by El Gato Gomez. Back cover photos by Mike Landsman. Mastered
by Shorty Poole.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
February
22, 2026
Tracks:
Side One:
1. Fenwick Drainer 01:22
2. The Lonesome Death of Billy Jack 03:01
Side Two:
3. My Summer With Ritu 02:28
4. A Taste of Honey (live) 02:14