Good albums are ones that get better every time you listen to them and Zebrahead’s thirteenth full-length Brain Invaders (MFZB Records) falls into this category. Every time you spin Brain Invaders something more fun, lyrics more spot on, feelings more raised occurs. From ‘We’re Not All Alright’ to ‘All Die Young’ Zebrahead crafts catchy pop-Punk leaning tunes that are deep in their observation of society.

This is an album that skate-Punk’s across the beach-bro vibe into the suburban Punk scene and careens into non-offensive white boy Rap; all the while blowing shite up along the way. The music is infectiously peppy and up-tempo; happy even. All of this is superimposed atop the maudlin lyrics depicting Earthling life in 2019 on Terra Firma.

‘Party On The Dance Floor’ is a stand out track. The lyrics are what we all feel and scream to the ether. The song reminds me of Howard Beale from Network. The guitar sound is earthy and grounding. The juxtaposition of the bombastic drums and harsh lyrics creates a euphoric anger. Playing the song over and over and over on eleven is cathartic.

‘All Die Young’ is a depressing commentary on how most people feel today. However, the way Zebrahead phrases the fact that we are all on the outside looking in on our lives as our hopes and dreams died when we were kids elevates the lyrics to a rousing anthem.

This is the magic of Zebrahead. Listen to the lyrics. They are deep and meaningful. They have spot on insight to what most people are feeling and experiencing. But it’s the music, man! The music! You can’t resist bopping along to it. It’s just so upbeat! Then, when you least expect it, Brain Invaders bursts into a mega-Metal moment with ‘Ichi, Ni, San, Shi’. The screaming vocals and the shredding guitars are a welcome addition to the album.

It’s no wonder Zebrahead have played the Warped Tour multiple times. The lyrics from beginning to end are a reflection of modern civilization and how society is slowly killing us by destroying our happiness and joy and the music screams to be enjoyed in a live arena. Brain Invaders is high energy and irresistible.

7 / 10

VICTORIA ANDERSON