Aceves – Magnum Dopus
I:AND:I Recordings – 2025
Rock, Stoner, Speedrock, Punk, Hardcore
Rated: ****
Well… I started typing this little write-up with that Pulp Fiction quote, only then realizing, that it might be a bit too insensitive. For we love Zed and we can only show our respect and admiration for the boys and offer them sincere condolences once again for the loss of their drummer, the honorable Mr. Boyles, already some two years ago. On the other hand, the man was a comedian so he might have laughed at the initial opening of this piece. But we hope the band has been able to work through it and will be able to venture on in the future. However, it is that loss, combined with the loss of his father that sparked Zed bass player Mark Aceves into action. Cathartic, sparking all fuses and blowing away all possible negativity with his first solo album Magnum Dopus and opening smash and grab song The True and Indisputable Meaning of Rock and Roll. A powerful throwback to the early sixties rock ‘n roll. What an opening salvo, out of the gates and you shall be shaking your ass immediately. His speech with magnificent bass work warbling underneath inspires and gets your fired up. Indeed, “grit your teeth and boogie!” Fiery and fast, most of the album seems to hold on to that fast paced energy in some way, displaying urgency, need and an energy that jumps into your bones. Learning that he wrote the album in the space of three to four months, recorded all of it and then sat back to listen to the result, seems proof of the vigor and resolve one can feel listening to this entire record..
He makes serious business fun and takes his fun serious, just take second track Still Ain’t Dead. An opening that has you jumping around like a jackrabbit, waiting for the energy to build up, and it does, speedrocking towards the horizon. Lyrically fun, vocally skirting the edges of control, celebrating life and youthful silliness. But even at the borders of all the amusing parts you do get more serious topics, statements about love and testimonials to his children. And those topics are still treated to wild grunge, nineties alternative, speedrock, stonerrock, punk and hardcore. They pump, they almost wild you out, because of the different treatments. And remember, the man did all of it himself. The writing, the playing, the programming, the recording. He’s got an interesting mind and an inspiring take on everything, from music to life and back. And it will have you going back to the beginning once that lovely earnest and heartfelt, you can almost hear the tears in his voice, acoustic testimony to his kids For My Children ends. Cause… Well… ‘Fucking rock and roll Jack, Let’s fucking go! Let’s fucking play this shit!’
(Written by JK)
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