The countdown is complete for Zebrahead and they have finally released the exciting, concluding chapter in their trilogy of EPs, called I. I is the follow-up to the III (2021) and II (2023) EPs, completing the band’s III.II.I. series. “Finally, the last EP is here… this series represents where our heads have been during and since COVID,” shares bassist Ben Osmundson. “It’s been a trying time for everyone, and now it’s time for fresh starts. See you on tour!” Having already released a good number of singles leading up to I, culminating in today’s single release of “Puppet Stringers,” the band continues to be armed with an arsenal of slick tunes to take on the road. By getting back to the core values of what makes this band so damn special, Zebrahead leaves just the right taste in our mouths on this electric EP filled with passion and breakneck energy.
The EP kicks off with a great guitar riff by Dan Palmer on “I Have Mixed Drinks About Feelings” before Ali Tabatabaee adds in a rapped verse before vocalist/guitarist Adrian Estrella commands the chorus with the emphatic statement of, “We’re not alone!” “Pulling Teeth” continues the EP on the right foot with some heavy riffing from Palmer/Estrella, while drummer Ed Udhus adds in some interesting fills to keep things accelerating. The brisk, punk rock energy that Zebrahead brings forth on these opening two tracks doesn’t sound like a band slowing down, by any means. Instead, the band feels re-energized and poised for big things for the future.
”Doomsday on the Radio” opens with some bratty “na na na’s” before Tabatabaee raps over the electric beat set forth by the backing band to make for a solid punk rock song. “Sink Like A Stone” is classic Zebrahead at its core, while the addition of the latest band member (Estrella) offers up some well-placed vocals to match the pace of the music. “Puppet Stringers” is a heavy metal song disguised as a punk rock track due to its heavy opening guitar riffs that bleed into a comfortable pop-punk chorus that Zebrahead have cut their teeth to over their nearly 30-year career. By sticking to a familiar formula in their songwriting, while still adding in some cool new elements to their sound, I provides the epic conclusion to the trilogy of EPs that fans will likely feel makes a fitting end to this latest chapter of Zebrahead.