J.M.K.E.
J.M.K.E. is an Estonian punk rock band that formed in Tallinn on January 18, 1986. The band has been a significant part of the Estonian punk scene, known for their energetic performances and politically charged lyrics.
Biography
The original singer, Mati, left the band shortly after its formation, leaving Venno on drums, Tarvo Hanno Varres on bass, and Villu Tamme on vocals and guitar. The band occasionally worked with guest singers, including Tõnu Trubetsky from Vennaskond, who performed under the name “Vürst Trubetsky & J.M.K.E.” For the first three years, they primarily played concerts in Estonia, with a few performances in Latvia, Lithuania, and Russia. Later, the band toured Europe extensively.
In 1987, Villu wrote “Tere Perestroika,” a song that quickly became a hit due to its humorous take on the political changes happening during Perestroika. The song won a song contest on a popular Estonian TV show in 1988. That year, the band saw its first lineup change when Tarvo Hanno Varres left, later joining the Estonian indie rock group Röövel Ööbik. Lembit replaced him on bass.
In 1989, J.M.K.E. caught the attention of the newly created Finnish record label Stupido Twins, leading to the release of “Tere Perestroika” as their first record. The band’s growing popularity allowed them to travel abroad for the first time, with their debut international concert in Finland. Later that year, they recorded their first LP, Külmale Maale (To the Cold Country), for Stupido Twins, marking the first Estonian rock record made abroad.
After a few more lineup changes, including Venno’s departure in 1989, the band continued to evolve, releasing several albums and touring extensively throughout Europe. Their third album, Sputniks in Pectopah (1995), was a collection of high-energy Russian cover songs. The band celebrated their 10th anniversary in 1996 with a special concert featuring almost all past and present members, and the release of the cassette-only album Rumal Nali (Silly Joke).
J.M.K.E. gradually moved away from their direct political slogans, with later albums like Jäneste Invasioon (Invasion of Rabbits, 1996) showcasing a broader range of themes. The band continued to release albums into the 2000s and beyond, with their latest works including Kirves, haamer, kühvel ja saag (2016) and the mini-album Joon (2018).
Discography
Studio Albums
- Külmale maale (1989)
- Gringode kultuur (1993)
- Sputniks in Pectopah (1995)
- Rumal nali (1996)
- Jäneste invasioon (1996)
- Totally Estoned – The Best Of J.M.K.E (1997)
- Õhtumaa viimased tunnid (2000)
- Rotipüüdja (2000) (Vürst Trubetsky & J.M.K.E.)
- Ainult planeet (2002)
- Mälestusi Eesti NSV-st (2006)
- Jasonit ei huvita (2011)
- Kirves, haamer, kühvel ja saag (2016)
- Joon (mini-album, 2018)
