Since forming and releasing their debut self-titled EP in 2006, Mammal have toured relentlessly while also crafting a formidable reputation for their animated live performances, timeless sonic creations and authentic, working-class political activism that has garnered the quartet an ever-growing cult-like status across the globe. Revered as a “must see” rock’n’roll juggernaut, Mammal’s back catalogue includes their striking singles Smash the Pinata, The Majority, Hell Yeah and Think, with their touring history also spanning headline shows in London, Perth, Auckland, Brisbane and everywhere in between, as well as supports with some of the heavy scene’s towering giants, including Kiss, Avenged Sevenfold and Sebastian Bach.
Bringing the noise and funk in incomparable Mammal fashion, the Narrm neo punk/funk warriors return with a swaggering new single The Penny Drop which offers a further peek into the group’s new album of the same name.
“The main themes on the album are politics,” shares Ox, “setting up guillotines, smashing the fash, punching up, our inability to tolerate fools. Musically, fresh, mature, sexy bare bones rock and fucking roll. This album is not for the kids. It’s grown-up fun.“
Now, we talkin’ to Ezekiel Ox from Mammal…
Name: Ezekiel Ox
Alias: The Ox
Band: Mammal
In less than 50 words describe your music and yourself.
Enthusiastic, fun, dancefloor filling, learned, agricultural, proficient in ohms law, dog and cat lovers, renegades, lovers, fighters, two of us can handle a firearm (one of them is me), trade unionists, classic car fanatics and sometime sex symbols. We’re also the current unofficial “Hardest Rocking Band In The Universe”.
What was the first rock/pop concert you attended?
I was pretty lucky; my parents took me to see Bob Dylan at the Palais in Melbourne when I was twelve years old. Bob was stoned and it was weird, but I loved it all the same
Punk or Goth Music: Punk, more action less introspection. Love a bit of The Cure and Cradle Of Filth though, no offense to our pasty, black clad brothers and sisters out there!
Who are you excited about, music wise, at the moment?
Our new album The Penny Drop (out now) and the new music that Mammal have been sending in lately for the next record.
The Best live artist/band you’ve seen: Tough one. For me it’s a tie between The Prodigy and AC/DC, both blew my mind and set me on my path as a youngster.
Your “In the mood for love” song: Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves.
What are you currently reading? Kings Of the New Age by Nathan Bell.
Your favourite Sunday morning chill out record? Goodbye Country, Hello Nightclub – Groove Armada.
Which song do you wish you had written?
Teardrop – Massive Attack
Author Manuel Puig said “I’m not terribly happy about rock and roll. Rock music is uninspiring, numbing; it makes you feel like an idiot.” Discuss.
Mr Puig sounds like a fucking idiot and someone who is not welcome at my dinner party, but should instead spend his time begging, borrowing or stealing to get to a Mammal show. Give us three songs Manuel you vapid bore (and probably narcotics officer), we’ll convince you that rock and roll can be as cerebral as it is visceral, that’s if you can cope with all the dancing and fun.
Vinyl, Cassette, CD, mp3 or streaming?
Vinyl, superior sound quality. For more discussion of the importance of sound quality in human development, see Neil Young’s book Waging Heavy Peace. Important to note though, that the best answer is always: LIVE.
If you could hang out with any music artist, in a bar one afternoon, who would it be?
Dolly Parton, and I’d bring a couple of guitars and try to coax her into a jam.
What is your worst habit?
Procrastination, but us ADHD aficionados struggle to get going. Once we do, just try and stop us. I’ve worked through two degrees, 1700+ gigs, being a single Dad and countless relationships and friendships without medication, and I’d say I’m about even.
How often do you look at your mobile phone?
Too much. There’s a lyric on the new album: “Born alone and you die alone/getting fall down drunk staring at your phone”. It’s from the song Doubt. I think “we” as a collective need to spend more time painting and looking at the birds in the backyard generally. But phone is super fun…
Any good backstage stories?
Meeting KISS when we supported them was awesome. They were in full costume and they look amazing. Like drag queens. Just super impressive and very generous hosts. Gene Simmons needs to shut the fuck up about Israel though, Palestine has a right to exist, and Israel needs to stop killing kids.
An alien lands on Earth and wants to know what Rock and roll sounds like. What song do you play him?
Moscow from our new album The Penny Drop.
Favourite all time TV show: The Simpsons is objectively the best T.V show of all time.
What is your specialty in the kitchen?
Spaghetti Bolognese. Also, in a pinch, ham, cheese, tomato toastie with salt and pepper and a dollop of aioli. Simplicity in riffs and food wins.
With whom would you like to record a song with?
Briggs, we know each other already kinda through the amazing Steven Smith from Muscle Mothership Productions in Footscray, but I’m still to get on the end of a hot mic with the Torta Yorta G.O.A.T. Not dead yet though…
You have tickets to see The Killers and Bruce Springsteen but they are on the same night. Which one do you attend?
I’ve seen them both and they’re both unreal. I’d go to Springsteen, purely because he’s older and the law of averages says he dies first. Cold, hard statistical analysis leads me to this correct and easily founded conclusion.
Where do you hope to be in twelve months?
Supporting my clients through their legal woes and getting solid, just outcomes for them (preferably keeping them out of jail), and playing festivals with Mammal and my other bands.
Interview by Geoff Jenke
The Penny Drops album by Mammal available on vinyl, digital and CD formats depending on how you like to face the funk.
