Band finds cure for monotony

By David Felton, On-Line Forty-Niner

Thursday, August 27, 1998

If one is sick of the monotonous sounds of rap, the four-chord regime of punk and the one-dimensional ska bands that are plaguing the radio, yet believe that new ground in these genres can still be broken, then Zebrahead might have the cure.

CD REVIEW

The five-piece Orange County group is a smooth blend of ska, rap, funk and punk rolled into one easy-to-swallow band.

The funky sound of Ben Osmundson's bass mixed with Justin "Goldtoof" Mauriello's melodic vocals, blended with the smooth playing of Greg Bergdorf on guitar and Ed Udhus on drums, creates a heavy groove underneath Ali Tabatabaee's powerful rapping.

Songs like "Check" and "Swing" incorporate funky playing and shotgun-like rapping. The live track "Jagoff" proves that the band can provide the same energy live as it does in the studio.

The group combines elements of Rage Against the Machine, 311, Korn and other various added ingredients, yet creates a unique blend of progressive music.

Zebrahead's debut record can be found on Orange County's own indie label Dr. Dream. But after creating a frenzy in the music world, the band is set to release a Columbia debut titled "Waste of Mind" in October.