Rough Edge: Zebrahead CD Reviews

ZEBRAHEAD

"Phoenix" (Icon MES; 2008)

Reviewed by Metal Mark

Bringing many styles to the table can be fantastic providing, of course, that you know how to use the different sounds and can deliver some sense of balance. If someone had told me that a band could put together an album that includes elements of pop/punk/hard rock/rap and have it be riveting and exciting then I would have told them that they needed to come in out of the sun because it was affecting their brain. However, Zebrahead manage to encompass all of those sounds and shoot them into a frantic blend that stirs them all up and shoots out the best parts for us to rapidly absorb.

The music and vocals just bounce about, relying on equal parts of strong melodies and pure energy. Zebrahead walk the balance beam between heavy and catchy and manage to stand up straight the whole way as they deliver both sounds in equal and effective amounts.

Now, I must admit that oftentimes a powerpop style makes me cringe because some bands who follow that style are really just watering down punk rock. Zebrahead, on the other hand, bring the best aspects of powerpop because they slap down the smooth hooks and instantly likable choruses. That might even be enough, but they are obviously not satisfied with just one approach so we get some edgy hard rock and some rap vocals that manage to be genuine enough.

There's a moment or two when "Phoenix" gets a little repetitious, but the band is near brilliant for about 95% of the album. This CD is far better and more diverse than I was expecting since the band managed to offer up lots of ideas and then weave them together to make the whole even stronger than the parts.

For more information, check out http://www.zebrahead.tv.

"The Show Must Go Off! Live at the House of Blues" DVD (Kung Fu Records; 2004)

Reviewed by Snidermann

May of 1998 was an momentous occasion in my life - that was the month I did my first review for RoughEdge.com ... and that review was for Zebrahead's self-titled EP. That review was the first of hundreds I've done for this website, but the first one is always special.

Enough of the past, let's move onto the future: Zebrahead is as strong and powerful as ever with the release of this DVD, "Live At The House of Blues" A recording of an excellent record release show, "Live at the House of Blues" proves that Zebrahead is the real deal. What other band can pull of their solid punk sound while a lead singer performs most of the show in a dress?! The band's two lead singers add depth and character to each and every song and the band is obviously at the top of their game. Their charisma throughout the performance is nothing short of amazing.

"Live at the House of Blues" must be seen to be appreciated. I must admit that it was Zebrahead that really led me to explore the realm of punk rock and the band opened a whole new world of music for me. Now, punk is one of my favorite forms of music and I listen to it often.

I'm ready to watch "The Show Must Go Off" again!

For more information, check out http://www.zebrahead.tv.

"Zebrahead" (Dr. Dream Records; 1998)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Zebrahead kicks some serious hard music ass. Move over Rage Against the Machine, Zebrahead is sneaking up on you and are ready to pounce. The rock/rap combination have never been more savagely combined before, Zebrahead kept my interest from the get go until I finally had to turn off the CD player so my ears could stop bleeding.

I was impressed by the sheer energy and raw emotion that Zebrahead exhibited at every turn. Clever, vibrant lyrics mixed perfectly with tight tunes made my listening experience most enjoyable. This band combines the talent of not only a bitchin' guitar, bass, drums combo, they also employ a screaming vocalist along with a rapper, hence the force that is Zebrahead. Look for this CD - it's well worth the effort.

Zebrahead is: Greg Bergdorf, guitar; Ben Osmundson, bass; Justin "Goldtoof" Mauriello, guitar/vocals; Ali, rapper; Ed Udhus, drums.

For more information, check out http://www.zebrahead.tv.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home