I'm sloooooowly coming around on their new vocalist. I miss Matty, and even more so Justin. Couldn't vibe with Adrian at first but the last single or two have been pretty good.
I figured out what it is I don't like....that weird little yippy inflection he puts on the end of certain words/verses.
Wait, I’m playing catch up on Zebrahead after a dozen years or so…did you say they’re on their third lead vocalist?
Yup. Their original vocalist Justin Mauriello left the band in 2004 due to creative differences. He was replaced by Matty Lewis in 2005, who was with the band until 2021 when he exited to due to personal reasons, and would later pursue a career in country music under the moniker Mendon Hale. He was replaced by Adrian Estrella (formerly of Assuming We Survive), and they’ve since released three EPs with him and have another one coming later this year. Matty is now back with a new pop-punk band called Rocketsuit Rogue and they also have an album coming out later this year.
I know Matty's retired from touring full time, but they ever reunite to do shows with Matty again I'll be there in a heartbeat!
I've followed zebrahead closely since the 2003 or so. I had no idea about Rocketsuit Rogue though. I'm kinda into it! @tomtom94 shared it earlier, but re-posting anyway...
Ali said in a podcast interview that Matty texted him one morning, out of the blue, and said he didn't want to do this anymore and quit on the spot. I mean, I guess that qualifies as "creative differences".... He also said that Justin and the guys are on good terms and even discussed his return before going with Adrian.
I like Adrian a lot and think he brings a different vibe to the band, but I’d love to hear Justin sing on some Zebrahead tracks again someday.
Wow, that happened like aeons ago. In fact, so long ago that I'm pretty sure their name is I Hate Kate again.
To be fair, I didn’t ever get into I Hate Kate but my ex (the mother of my child) was really into them & Nightmare of You when we first started dating 20 years ago
I've seen them with Adrian twice since the swap (plus a couple more times in the distance at Slam Dunk) and I think he's a really great fit, it's impressive how much energy the band has considering they're getting on in years. I feel their songwriting's gotten a bit formulaic but I wouldn't put that down to Adrian as Matty definitely phoned in some of his contributions near the end of his tenure.