Music Rant

What should you listen to today?

Zebrahead - Phoenix

Over the past 10 years, Zebrahead has consistently output their very own Calabassas, CA blend of "The Offspring meets 311 at the skate park", high octane rock. Although very popular in Japan ("Phoenix" debuted at #1), they have somehow avoided mainstream US audiences.  Not even a promotion with Playboy suporting 2000's radio friendly "Playmate of the Year" got them any "endless love"......And Playboy is to American male adolescents, what Canasta is to your grandma's retirement community.

"Phoenix" contains 16 tracks of vintage Zebrahead:  upbeat, guitar driven rock mixed with catchy choruses  and an ample dose of rap. There are enough (gaba gaba) Hey! Hey! Hey! chants to make Joey Ramone proud.  My only real critique on the record is that by the time you make it to the 9th track, you may become weary of the same ol', same ol', if not numb to the relentless energy these guys emote.  But that is definitely not a bad thing.  Zebrahead knows what they do well, have a blast doing it, and give their fans what they want.  In an age where bands are constantly searching for their true identity, it is nice to see one that never left home.

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