MFZB

by

Zebrahead

Edit

Zebrahead has always been a band that has had a unique kind of blend between punk rock and rock/metal, yet they've always seemed to slip by the mainstream and only get an established cult fan following (which they named this album after). It's not that Zebrahead is a bad band; they can write the catchiest sing-along speedster tunes that any band can crank out, and who doesn't love that? But, after their fairly successful debut (that spawned the hit singles, "Get Back" & "The Real Me"), Zebrahead followed with an overlooked second album that gave them a novelty hit, "Playmate Of The Year." But, three years later, along comes "MFZB."

It's a powerful album that gives off the impression that Zebrahead is a band with a lot to say. Most of the songs talk of protest against authority, the difficulties of growing up and politics (and sometimes, the occasional break-up). All the songs come off a fast-paced, energized and (for the lack of a better word) catchier than f*uckin' hell! If there is one art ZH has mastered, it's the art of writing a good sing-along rock tune.

There are some mild differences from their previous works (but, weren't you already expecting that?), but it's mainly the fact that the band has taken a little of the funk out of their system and added a dose of heavy metal. The punk is still in there, and definitely adds a flair to the album. But, what comes off as a bigger surprise is that these guys have a whole lotta heart, as in the ballad, "Dear You (Far Away)," which has an acoustic guitar in it (is this the first time they've done that?!). There's also the not-quite-a-ballad, but not-quite-a-rocker "Expectations," which is a supreme mixture of the raps and the singing from Ali and Justin.

Even trying to fit in with the times, the band rampages through some two and a half minute songs that show off Ali's metal skills, with him screaming and practically busting his throat up ("Alone" & "Type A"). But melody is Zebrahead's strong point. The catchy zip-zap power of "Rescue Me," "Blur," and "Falling Apart," display their wall of sound, while "Hello Tomorrow," and "House Is Not My Home" show off their mellower, yet uplifting style.

Underrated, underappreciated and overlooked, Zebrahead is a band with immense power, range and melody and should be recognized for their great songs that really say more than what you might think. Like rock that'll pump you up, make you sing and chill you out? Well, then...look no further. Zebrahead's your fix.

so waste of mind came out, and i loved every minute of it. playmate of the year came out, and i loved it just the same. what i really loved about both of these albums is their unique sound, the punk rock with funk feel. i listen to their old stuff, and i say to myself, "hey, i can't think of a single other band that sounds like this, and what an amazing sound this is"

then, this came out, and i am dissappointed. i listen to this and i think, "hey, that part sounds like a linkin' park song", or, " this bit is from blink 182, isn't it?" they have lost their unique sound and become generic pop. it's good generic pop, i still like it, but it makes me sad that they went from what they were to that.

in conclusion, if you're looking for the sound on waste of mind or playmate of the year, don't look here. but if you're looking for good generic pop, it's for you. the only reason i gave it 3 stars is that it's good generic pop, as opposed to the usual generic crap that seems to be all around these days