Song Spotlight: Zig Zags' Why I Carry A Knife (a night at Zebulon)

The self described heavy metal, punk rock band Zig Zags shook the foundations of the Zebulon throughout their 13 song set - that being from the stage to the floor to the back step benches. As the band said, "Not bad for a Tuesday night." It was a free night, but they didn't treat it as one. They obliterated the more than willing crowd with a 45 minute set.

Zig Zags at Zebulon

The band's bandcamp bio has the following quote from the Jed Maheu fronted band, "Zig Zags is metal and punk music written for my 13-year old self. If I wanted us to sound like something else, I would just do a different band." There was a lot of abrasion screaming vocals throughout the set that scratched those teenage memories of the fanbase. It resulted in a lot of head banging to Maheu's vocals throughout.   

Zig Zags at Zebulon

The trio, which includes Sean Hoffman on bass and Jeff Murray on drums just finished up a 16 stop tour in Europe. I don't know if Maheu was just over-exaggerating, but as he removed his shirt during the set he mentioned that the band almost got in trouble for taking off their shirts in Germany. Truth or tall tale? Either way, by the end of the set, all three members were playing shirtless at Zebulon. 

Fun moment of the set: For the song "My Lighter," Maheu asked if someone had a lighter. Someone ran up to the stage. Maheu was grateful when noticing the individual. But he wasn't handed a lighter. The person provided a packet of matches. "That's a first time," was his amused response to the attempted gesture. He tossed the matches to the side, but I do believe that Hoffman reached down and gave the matches back to the fan. 

Zig Zags at Zebulon

Another fun moment of the set: Murray was going so hard on the drum kit that one of his cymbals crashed to the ground. Hoffman once again stepped into the situation and placed the cymbals back in place.   

The song spotlight goes to "Take Me To Your Leader." A song that, I do believe, was inspired by Sci Fi aliens. Who exactly are the aliens? Are we the aliens invaded another world or are we being invaded? The song does start with the lyrics Earth destination so perhaps we are being invaded. On the other hand, there are the lyrics War's in our blood. Either way, it is a total genocidal event.      

Zig Zags at Zebulon

Setlist: The Fog, Deadbeat At Dawn, Killer Of Killers, Magic, Fallout, Why I Carry A Knife, Altered States, Take Me To Your Leader, My Lighter, Brainded Warrior, Punk Fucking Metal, Scavenger, Ripping Death.