Zig Zags – Deadbeat At Dawn

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · July 28, 2025

The Zig Zags are a Los Angeles, California based three-piece that plays loud hardcore infused metal with a punk rock edge. The band formed in 2010 and have released a slew of EPs and singles including: 2011’s Party at Dave’s House, 2012’s Scavenger / Waistin’ My Time 7″, 2012’s Monster Wizard / Turbo Hit 7″, 2013’s 10 – 12 (Burger Records Cassette), 2013’s Zig Zags / The Shrine split 7″ (Volcom), 2013’s Scavenger / Monster Wizard 7″, 2014’s Brainded Warrior b/w So Stoned, 2014’s Humans Soundtrack single, 2017’s Station ID’s single, 2015’s Slime EP, 2017’s Ripping Death B/W Riddle of Steel, 2018’s Sweet Times Volume 6, 2018’s Zig Zags/Feral Ohms (Split) “Unleashed In Long Beach”, and 2019’s LA to Pedro EP. They also released five full length albums including: 2014’s Self Titled, 2016’s Running Out Of Red, 2019’s They’ll Never Take Us Alive, 2024’s Strange Masters, and their latest, 2025’s Deadbeat At Dawn. Deadbeat At Dawn was released on RidingEasy Records on May 30th 2025. It contains ten tracks at thirty four minutes long. The current lineup of the Zig Zags features Jed Maheu on guitar and vocals, Sean Hoffman on bass, and Jeff Murray on the drums.

My first impression with Deadbeat At Dawn from the Zig Zags was really good. The sound quality right away impressed me with the nostalgia of hard rocking thrash riffs spewing from the guitar amps. Zig Zags are a brand new find for me and I am impressed with their sound. It takes me back to the 1980’s in full effect with the metal thrashing tones and crossover rhythms. “Not Of This World” begins with a drum roll into a classic metal chugging. It has a super catchy “Go! – Fight!” chorus that hooks you right in. It’s a fantastic opener that reels you in for the next track called “Altered States”. Starting with a gut wrenching scream, the song kicks right in with thrashing glory. Maheu has the perfect voice for the hard rocking music, which is filled with raw aggression. The title track “Deadbeat At Dawn” kicks right in next. It’s a mid tempo rocker that showcases the tightness and talents of the band. It’s nothing fancy musically but it’s got a good driving rhythm with infectious leads spliced in.

“At War With Hell” has a chuggy and galloping rhythm that is so metal. It has another memorable chorus and is tightly executed, performance wise. The musical beat down continues with “Take Me To Your Leader”, “Rats In Love”, and the hardcore and metal riot of “Above The Law “. The Zig Zags understand and deliver these classic thrashers with ferocity and precision. The band was born to play this style of music and I have a soft spot for it! It’s old school metal with punk and hardcore roots, similar to my late find this past January of last year’s The Clamps (review here). The music is heavy and fast moving and really energizing. I can’t say enough good things about the production of this record either. Every instrument holds a strong presence in each song and collectively they all ignite a fierce ensemble of punk fueled rock. The songs are fun and catchy in spite of the aggression.

“Get Loud” is a rebellious rocker of grand proportions! Another catchy tune of raw power and scorching guitar leads. “Metal To Metal” is another in your face ripper that is fueled by caffeine and gasoline. Expressing some exuberant leads, the song is an onslaught of rock n’ roll. Deadbeat At Dawn finishes off with the track, “Say It To My Face”, a compelling choice to cap off this excellent recording. “Say It To My Face” is a fuzz rocking and reckless ensemble of a hardcore anthem. The title phrase in its chanting chorus is a punk rockers wet dream. It’s so catchy and dynamic and will surely be stuck in your head. Overall, I really enjoy the Zig Zags and their awesome sound. Deadbeat At Dawn is a future crossover classic that is tangled up in stoner rock lore.