EP Review: zebrahead – I (MFZB Records)

It’s finally time! The Southern California punk rock outfit zebrahead will release the third and final part of their EP trilogy. Beginning with ‘III’ in 2021, ‘II’ in 2023, and now we have ‘I’, due out on November 13th, 2024, via MFZB Records.

I do like a bit of zebrahead and have thoroughly enjoyed the EP journey that has taken place over the past few years. Summing up III as a ‘five track-banger’ and summing up II as a ‘top-notch output’, which brings me to I, and stop if you’ve heard this before, but it’s a bit of a banger release again. Nothing like consistency, eh?

Beginning with a lovable hyperactive effort that hits a high with its catchy chorus that can be summed up as zebrahead 101, but in the best way possible. Just because it’s familiar, doesn’t mean it’s not a ton of fun, especially when it’s such a singalong.

Of course, anthems are what this band does so damn well, and the following Pulling Teeth certainly adds even more weight to that claim. A contemporary showcase of punk rock with balanced melody and bursts of heaviness. Then along comes Doomsday on the Radio to up the bar with a chorus that is pretty damn great. A ‘radio hit’ if there ever was one, but I guess a term like that is showing off all our ages (although I’ve still got a few years on zebrahead).

Maybe it’s being an older punk rock fan that means some classic catchiness as evident in Sink Like a Stone just hits right. It’s not quite retro, but the old-school vibe is undeniable in places.

Finally, capping off another banger release from zebrahead, it’s Puppet Stringers, which just happens to the most energetic track of all. Likely to please those fans who like a bit more ‘grr’ to their punk rock. Never doubt zebrahead to have exactly what you need.

zebrahead – I Track Listing:

1. I Have Mixed Drinks About Feelings
2. Pulling Teeth
3. Doomsday on the Radio
4. Sink Like a Stone
5. Puppet Stringers

Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter