Mfzb

Works well

Having owned Waste Of Mind, I knew this band was a breath of fresh air compared to millions of pop-punk clone-alikes.They mix the styles of punk, rap, ska, and on MFZB, even influences of metal start showing through. Zebrahead are a true experimental band, which is what makes them so much fun to listen to because its hard to get bored of them.The first thing i noticed when i listened to MFZB was that they'd cut out the more light hearted side of them. Judging by Waste of Mind, i wasn't expecting that to suit them, but being as unpredictable as they are, they did a great job of it.The rapper (Ali) has improved his vocal style and is seen singing (kinda screaming) aswell as rapping (which hes one of the fastest I know). Songs like 'Type A' show that Ali is more than capable of fronting the band, leaving just backing vocals to Justin (the singer).Influences from other bands are quite strong here, such as the opening riff to 'Over The edge' which reminds me of Sweet Child O Mine (G'n'R), an interlude from 'Rescue Me', where Justin's voice resembles Matt Bellamy (Muse).The only thing stopping me from giving this album 5 stars would have to be Justin's voice, which kinda reminds me of Deryk Whibley (Sum41) on helium. That aside, it does mix in well if in small doses.Overall, an amazing album, definitely worth my £13.

I can imagine only a small percentage of the UK's population have heard of Zebrahead, just as Good Charlotte were but a couple of years ago, but three years ago my friend thankfully introduced me to "Playmate of The Year" and I was hooked.Anyway, 2003 rolls by and Zebrahead's long-awaited third album is released (UK Release was March 2004, but I bought the US version, because I couldn't wait that long), and it doesn't let down. More guitars, more punk, and a lot more interesting lyrics. The band are really popular in Japan (the album's gone gold) and they're pretty well known in America too. They finally made it over the pond in March at a bunch of dates across the UK and there's a good chance they may play Leeds and Reading Festival this year. If so, I'm sure going. They're awesome live.The album lines up as follows:1.) Rescue Me - Starts as they mean to go on, catchy as hell guitar riffs and a excellent head-bopping chorus with full sing-along-ability.2.) Over The Edge - Fun song about getting drunk and stuff apparently. Nothing wrong with this stuff, this sort of song will get stuck in your head for days ahead.3.) Strength - Really good parts from Ali (the main vocalist) and another nice sing-along breakdown/chorus part. Not the best on the album, but its still a good song.4.) Hello Tomorrow - Excellent song. This should be regarded as a punk classic. The verse reminds of another song which escapes my mind as I write this, the build up is moshable and the chorus takes the breath away. Possibly my favourite.5.) The Set-Up - Top quality punk song. Fast-paced. Can't explain what I like about it, I just know that if you like the rest of the songs, you'll love this too.6.) Blur - "It's All A Blur". Good chorus lyrics and a killer riff/melody piece, (one of the album's best) its worth sticking on just for the instrumental parts. Seriously though, very good song.7.) House Is Not My Home - This song surprised me. I wasn't expecting it to be one of the standout tracks on MFZB, but it is. It's a song about domestic troubles. Softer feel to the others. Top song.8.) Into You - First video released from the album. You can download it from their website. Definitely one of the top tracks of MFZB, "Into You" has a punk edge mixed with classic Zebrahead syndromes from their past releases.9.) Alone - Different from the bunch. Heavier than any other Zebrahead songs. Interesting lyrics, nice metal guitars. Make's a welcome change from the other songs. Reminds me of "The Yellow" EP classic, "All I Need". If you like that you'll like "Alone".10.) Expectations - Bang in the middle of rock and ballad. Mixes Ali and Justin's vocals very well. Good track which will grow on you. Its amazing listening to songs like this as to how Zebrahead blend their unique style together. It's like punk, rock, metal, thrash, slammed in a can with substance x which just so happens to make Zebrahead so unique.11.) Falling Apart - Similar to "Rescue Me" in its style but its a little bit heavier. Great intro. Lyrics are very well gelled as well. Another top example of the vocalists' talents.12.) Let It Ride - Glides along with ease, following the trend of the others but with some of the best guitar pieces in here. Again, reminding me a bit of their "Waste Of Mind" days. The edgy guitar riff on the pre-chorus leads into a typical fable-like chorus. Ali takes control on this one.13.) Type A - Is a bit like "Alone". A lot more hard-edge, like their first independent release, "The Yellow" EP (described on Amazon as the Zebrahead EP). This is the way this album has gone. "Playmate of The Year" was glossed up and well-produced but still a great album and one of my all-time faves, but MFZB is more back to basics, "high-quality demo" type sound to it. This is a step in the right direction and "Type A" gives off a lot of good vibes.14.) Runaway - This was one of my faves from the first time I heard it. The lyrics astound me and the general tune to this track is superb. "She's not a lost cause, she's just a runaway" are the standout lyrics here, and it touches a good spot inside of you.15.) Dear You (Far Away) - Experimental acoustic sound on this one for Zebrahead, but they pull it off well. They slow it down effortlessly and really put some emotion into the feel of it. There's also a good old bonus track at the end of this (called "The Fear" apparently) which makes you wonder why it didn't deserve its own track for the album. But hey, the record label wanted 13 songs to begin with, so feel lucky you've got 15/16.Is this Zebrahead's best release to date? Hmmm, I now think so, although Waste of Mind and Playmate of the Year have real standout songs too, but its certainly worth getting if you like any of their past stuff, and if you're into punk or alternative rock in any fashion (ranging from Blink 182, Reel Big Fish and Fugazi to Goldfinger, New Found Glory or even Rage Against The Machine). Take my advice, you'll like it.

I first heard " Alone " and " Falling Apart " on the wrestling game WWE Smackdown Vs Raw. I liked Falling Apart quite alot, it was an amazing song, punky, hard rock, fast, powerful. SO i thought i would see if they had any albums with these songs on, and they did, this one " MFZB ". I wasn't sure if i should of bought this or not, if i would of liked any of the songs, but i took a chance and bought it for this remarkable price. Now, i am so glad i had made that choiceIt is amazing, every song is captavating, i listenied to " Recue Me " and that is remarkable, the great riffs. Then it leads into " Over The Edge " with an amazing intro which can blow your mind! after that, even more punk, heavy action!! My favourite tracks are Rescue Me, Over The Edge, One Step - Up, Blur, Alone, Expectations, Falling Apart, Let It Ride (my alltimate favourite), Type A, and Runaway. But, in my view, all the tracks stand out, i have listened to this album over 10 times and am not bored of it for one minute. And i thought Falling Apart was good...... get it and turn up the volume for an amazing ride for an amazing price!!!