Phoenix - Zebrahead Before I start, I would like to say i'm a huge Zebrahead fan. So no-one better to give a detailed review then someone who knows the bands music well. The album came out in Japan at the beginning of the month and is due for a UK and US release a the beginning of August. So before you all obviously go to rush out and buy it =P. Read this review. Zebrahead are really one of those "Why aren't they more popular" sort of bands, they have all the right stuff to make it, but never quite make the big time. But this album just might, or will it just keep them in the same spot. This album really grew on me, while I liked it from the get go. At first I felt it wasn't quite as strong as 'Broadcast to the World', their previous album. But as I listened to it more I fell in love with it, and now in my opinion it's as strong an album as dare I say it the critically acclaimed 'MFZB' well yes I am. Definately their best album with the current singer Matty Lewis. The album starts off really strong with the heaviest song on the album 'HMP' (Heavy Metal Push-ups) The guitars, drums, everything is fast. A brilliant album opener, and probably my favourite song on the album. Greg's skills on the guitar have definately gotten better. Can't wait to hear this song live. 5/5 Next up is 'Hell Yeah' definately a more mainstrean, single type song, catchy riffs and vocals, typical stuff from Zebrahead, nothing special, I did enjoy the solo. 3.5/5 The more Metal influenced intro starts off the song 'Just the Tip' and a likely choice for the next single is a strong song. Ali's rapping fits in well, and the solo again was good, again with the typical catchy vocals from Matty. 4.5/5 The first single from the album 'Mental Health' is a very singley song, while not the best in the album, it's catchy and very easy to sing along to. Also slightly reminds me of Rescue Me for some reason. The rapping here is probably best best in the album, must like past Zebrahead songs it's full of energy. 4.5/5 'The Juggernauts' takes things a bit slower. Ali's rapping slips a little bit. His voice fits in really well in the high energy songs, but falls short on the slower songs. But the song really picks up at the chorus, very catchy and definately going to be a favourite at gigs to sing along. Probably a good choice for the next single. Would of been a 5 if it wasn't for the first verse's rapping. 4.5/5 Just a meh song 'Death by Disco' is. While not bad, it feels a bit like filler, It's back to Ali's high energy rapping, with the catchy chorus. The typical Zebrahead combination. 3/5 'Be Careful What you Wish For' has a good Bass intro, and starts to show Matty's voice showing his potenial, definately a step up. The part after the second chorus is really enjoyed. 4/5 The song starts out with the SOS signal, which fits the name of the song 'Morse Code is For Suckers' the slow build up intro is really nice. A catchy bass line. Ali during the bridge is a bit...eh..but generally a good song. 4/5 'Ignite' while it has a good start, the rest of the song doesn't impress me much. Felt like a filler song. 3/5 A bloodly long title here. 'Mike Dexter is God, Mike Dexter is a Role Model, Mike Dexter is an ***hole' A really feel good song here. I love singing along while driving to this song. It really puts a smile on your face, a song about wasting the day with someone you care about. Just a great song to listen to. Ali's rapping is a bit plan in the first verse, but the song is still a, 5/5 'Junkie and the Halo' isn't as strong song, almost feels like a B-side frm BtoW. Good, but not great. 3/5 I loved the intro to 'Brixton', while the rest isn't quite as awesome, it's still a strong song with a good rift. Just a good song to shout to, also Matty's vocals is strong here. 4/5 The more serious 'Hit the Ground' is a great song. Ali's rapping is hit or miss, but Matty's vocals is the best on the album. He tries a different style, more louder and it really shows, him in the chorus and solo is great. 5/5 'Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right, but Three Rights Make a Left', Yep another random title, and a song back to Zebrahead's silly side with lyrics saying "Bow Chicka Bow Wow" a song about forgetting a ex, but still not quite forgetting her. Just a catchy song to sing along to. 4/5 'All for None, And None for All', I really enjoyed the rifts in this song, the more fast paced more ska guitars sounds really nice. 4.5/5 'Sorry, but Your friend is Hot's intro is going to get people jumping at a gig. While not really strong, it's just a good song. 4/5 In my opinion the album is on par with MFZB. A really strong album, with more rememorial tracks then Broadcast to the World. While it starts off really well, it does dry up a little around the middle but picks up at the end. This album sees everyone progress, Greg and Ben's guitaring, Ed's druming and Matty's vocals have all improved, even if it's just by a little bit. But Ali's rapping can be hit or miss in the slower songs. He fits in really well in the faster songs like 'HMP', but falls flat in songs like 'The Juggernauts.' It is just what you would expect from Zebrahead, catchy, easy to sing along to and just feel good music. Very drivable music. While it might not attract many non-fans. It will definately statify the fans, and won't disappoint. Will they hit the mainstream again? It's hard to say, depends on the marketing and what other songs they release. Any fans of pop/punk and have not heard of this band, give them a try. Overall - 4.5/5 For Fans of - Bowling for Soup Reel Big Fish Sum 41 Must listen/Download - HMP The Juggernauts Mike Dexter is God, Mike Dexter is an Idol, Mike Dexter is an ***hole Hit the Ground.
I honestly think that this is Zebrahead's best album. Death By Disco, Hell Yeah!, HMP, and Sorry, But Your Friends Are Hot are my favorites so far. Definitely not a disappointment. I lovelovelove Ali's rapping. So incredible. Great, fun album by a great, fun band.
