Punk rock band are back with a bigger and newer sound!
From Southern California, punk rock veterans Zebrahead formed back in 1996, the same year I was born. It’s strange to think I’m the same age as a legendary band, but there we go! Their music ranges from punk rock, pop punk, rap rock, and rapcore. They have sold more than two million albums worldwide, earned a Grammy nomination through a collaboration with Motörhead, and built a reputation as one of modern punk rock’s most explosive live bands. Despite lineup changes, industry shifts, and a constantly evolving music landscape, Zebrahead has never slowed down. And I’m very happy about that, absolute legends!
They have played many headline gigs and major festivals, including Slam Dunk, which I managed to see them play at twice. And what a performance they put on both times, incredible!
“As long as people come out to shows and listen, we will continue to tour the world and release music,” says bassist Ben Osmundson.
Their new EP ‘O’ was released on 12th August 2026 with 6 incredible tracks, and completes their conceptual EP series, the others being ‘III’, ‘II’, and ‘I’.
Tabatabaee shares, “This EP feels like we tapped into something new for us. Everything just feels bigger—the riffs, the hooks, the verses, all of it. We didn’t hold back. These songs are gonna be huge live, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear them.” Estrella adds, “We truly believe we’ve captured something special. Turn it up to eleven and lose your voices!”
Meet Zebrahead:
Adrian Estrella – Lead vocals and rhythm guitar
Ali Tabatabaee – Vocals and rhymes (rapper)
Dan Palmer – Lead guitar
Ben Osmundson – Bass
Ed Udhus – Drums
Zebrahead released their first single ‘Burn Burn Burn’ on 18th March 2026.
Second single ‘Smoke Signals From My Couch’ released on 22nd April 2026.
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ released on 20th May 2026.
‘A Perfect Life Is Such A Bore’ released on 17th June 2026.
And lastly, ‘Happy Endings At The Movies’ released on 15th July 2026.
The band shares, “Happy Endings at the Movies is about coming to terms with the fact that life rarely goes the way you planned. We all have regrets, moments we’d take back, and times when it feels like we’re unraveling under the weight of our own choices,” says Tabatabaee. Udhus adds, “I hope people hear it, turn it up, and realize they’re not the only ones trying to figure it all out.”
Osmundson explains, “The title is a reminder that perfect endings belong in the movies. Real life is full of loose ends, unanswered questions, and the weight of wondering what could’ve been,” and Palmer says, “We’re bringing the pop punk back on this one…with a Zebrahead twist.”
FUCK ME!!! This EP is absolutely incredible! Pop punk with a twist is the perfect way to describe this. Heavy, explosive, bouncy, fast, loud, melodic, catchy, harmonising, what else can I say? This band are honestly one of the best out there, evolving while still keeping their authenticity. You can easily dance, mosh, jump around, and headbang throughout this whole EP. The rapping in the song ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ is deep and raspy, and reminds me a little bit of early Linkin Park, which is obviously a compliment.
They are very relatable with their track ‘Happy Endings At The Movies’, making us feel like we are not alone in this world. We all have regrets and things we wish we could change, it sucks big time, but we all learn from our mistakes and evolve to become better people. The lyrics, “Happy ever after only happens in the movies” ring so true, life doesn’t always have happy endings.
I will be listening to this EP on repeat for the foreseeable, it is honestly one of the best ones I’ve heard this year so far! And I need to hear these tracks being played live at some point too, that’s a must! Please go check this EP out and see for yourselves how incredible it is!
‘O’ is out now – check out the band’s European tour dates HERE.
Main Photo Credit: CESAR CIFUENTES
- Burn Burn Burn
- A Perfect Life Is Such A Bore
- I Know What U Did Last Summer
- Smoke Signals From My Couch
- Happy Endings At The Movies
- I Don’t Know How To Put This (But I’m Kinda A Big Deal)
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I’ve been going to gigs since I was 18 years old, and have loved them ever since. They are my second home. I enjoy discovering new bands, meeting punks of different ages, and learning more about the scene. I sing, play guitar, and learning the drums. Punk for life!
Did you know that we are 100% DIY? We run our own game. No one dictates to us, and no one drives what we can or cannot put on our pages – and this is how we plan to continue!
