EZEKIEL OX & THE EVIDENCE - Live @ The Wicko
Pictured: Ezekiel Ox + Glenn Esmond - EZEKIEL OX + THE EVIDENCE
Photographer: Angela New - Angie New Photography
Debut Show @ The Wicko - Newcastle, NSW - Sat. 23 Jan 2021
Written by: Matt New - Pedal To The Metal
As we kick off another year, we are slowly awaking from the nightmare that was 2020. We are filled with hope for a better year for the live music industry, which has been decimated over the duration of this pandemic. One musician in particular has really taken the initiative to push on with true Aussie grit. EZEKIEL OX has ensured that we continue to experience live music through a series of live streamed concerts, one of which Angie and I had the pleasure of experiencing in person last Saturday in beautiful Newcastle.
Pictured: Ezekiel Ox - EZEKIEL OX + THE EVIDENCE
Photographer: Angela New - Angie New Photography
A consummate entertainer of the heavy music industry, Ezekiel gathered the masses into the Wickham Hotel debuting his new band Ezekiel Ox and the Evidence. Joining Zeke on this journey included the very talented rhythm section of Glenn Esmond on bass (THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT), Dane Pulvirenti destroying the drums (ex-OSAKA PUNCH/ SUM OF US), and the mighty Dave Blues on guitar (ex-SELF IS A SEED/SUPERB LYREBIRD).
Pictured: Glenn Esmond - EZEKIEL OX & THE EVIDENCE
Photographer: Angela New - Angie New Photography
It was clear that much effort, deliberation and teamwork had gone into planning for this show, and the professionalism of all involved should be commended. The outdoor beer garden of the Wicko made for a very intimate and open venue, and with a stage including a snakepit and runway for Zeke to dance around, we knew we were in for something special.
Pictured: DeeJay MAC DA VILLAIN
Photographer: Angela New - Angie New Photography
Opening proceedings for the evening were the hip-hop and rap stylings of OOMPH/MAC DA VILLAIN, then followed by LOTSY/BIGREDCAP. Both acts were highly engaging and added a sense of unique variety to the show. Ezekiel's love of local hip-hop shines through by selecting these talented artists with a strong message in their music. Highly entertaining.
Pictured: Dave Bleus, Ezekiel Ox + Glenn Esmond - EZEKIEL OX & THE EVIDENCE
Photographer: Angela New - Angie New Photography
From the very first note of “Proper Gander”, you would find it hard to believe all the musicians on stage have not played a show of this magnitude in over a year! But as with most seasoned professionals, they have the ability to draw you in with that first note, commanding the audience's full attention. The dynamic and intensity of this ensemble really parallels powerhouse bands such as RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE which is phenomenal knowing this level of talent exists locally.
Pictured: Dave Bleus, Ezekiel Ox + Glenn Esmond - EZEKIEL OX & THE EVIDENCE
Photographer: Angela New - Angie New Photography
Ezekiel Ox is one of the country's most entertaining, charismatic and energetic frontmen and he continues to deliver with a gold standard of performance. His art is perfecting just like a fine wine or whiskey, not once did he put a foot wrong, and having a custom built stage for the event, he glided and danced his way around effortlessly. He even made his way beyond the stage to connect with his adoring audience, interactions that fans have grown accustomed to across all of his musical projects over the past 20 years.
Pictured: Ezekiel Ox + the crowd @ The Wicko - EZEKIEL OX & THE EVIDENCE
Photographer: Angela New - Angie New Photography
Musically, the set was full of hard hitting bangers that reinforced the power and message buried deep in Ezekiel's music. Dane, Glenn and Dave worked well together, producing a tight booming wall of groove while Zeke brought his token rock swagger. You could feel this night was a cathartic experience for the crowd as everyone was up dancing and interacting, which was refreshing to see amidst the social challenges of Covid. Lead by Zeke, the engaged crowd screamed a resounding "Fuck Covid!!"
Pictured: Dave Bleus, Ezekiel Ox, Dane Pulvirenti + Glenn Esmond - EZEKIEL OX & THE EVIDENCE
Photographer: Angela New - Angie New Photography
A truly uplifting evening, and great to see a collection of talented musicians joined together to make live music fun and connected again. The show was also live streamed via the Ezekiel Ox Twitch page, but for those who couldn't make the night, you are in for a treat when this powerhouse hits your town soon. Highly recommend going out and getting amongst it.
Pictured: Ezekiel Ox - EZEKIEL OX + THE EVIDENCE
Photographer: Angela New - Angie New Photography
On a final note, Zeke is often a very misunderstood individual. I was deeply grateful to see that he spent a significant amount of time with his fans at the meet and greet pre-show, and after the show. He has always been an artist that enjoys connecting with his fans, and this for me made the evening even more special.
