From Zero – Check Ya: A Video Breakdown
Zero the cliché hero.
We’re going retro for this week’s Video Breakdown. And yes, it makes me sad that something released in 2001 can be considered “retro”. In 5 more years, it could be labeled “classic” in the most generic sense of the word. I’m breaking down this video partially because there hasn’t been any new videos really worthy of a breakdown (most were just boring), but also because this video is just something else. It’s a throwback to a lot of late 90’s/early 00’s trends all mashed-up into a 3:23 minute video. Take a look.
0:05: Oh….oh boy…
0:09: From Zero has got ALL the random body movements.
0:12: And regrettable piercings.
0:15: And bowling pin hair.
0:19: And heavy mascara.
0:21: He must have had so many holes punched on his Hot Topic card.
0:22: Yeah, that’s definitely how actual human beings move.
0:25: Whoa, I think the background just belched.
0:30: I kind of love that each band member has a different nu metal cliché.
0:36: We were somewhere in a From Zero video when the drugs began to take hold.
0:40: Man, that spindly chin icicle was never, ever, ever a good look.
0:43: Oh, hey Windows 98 screen saver.
0:49: “You might erase me, cold as ice.” Modern poetry, folks.
0:54: If you hold him over an open flame while wearing that outfit, he’ll burst into a pile of Jiffy Pop.
1:04: Wearing your band’s shirt in your own video? That’s a paddlin’.
1:09: You can never mug to the camera enough.
1:15: Oooh, a Phantasm cameo.
1:20: I hope he still has that suit and occasionally wears it to family events.
1:27: Bands today could learn a lot from this video.
1:31: Mostly to never use computer graphics as they do not age well.
1:39: He may in fact be part bobble-head.
1:45: The chorus is pretty catchy, all things considered.
1:50: I could see this included as part of a Tony Hawk or Coolboarders soundtrack.
1:53: Just noticed the bassist has a pineapple haircut.
1:58: Someone cut him up into a fruit salad.
2:07: It wouldn’t be a nu metal video without some bad rapping.
2:14: They better seek shelter or else they’ll be hit by flying embarrassment.
2:22: That dancing is far more damaging than any piece of CGI.
2:29: “T” stands for “Time to leave.”
2:38: Even his shoes are ridiculous!
2:44: Still better than a million “band playing in an empty warehouse” videos.
2:50: That young man went on to become Texas Senator Ted “Totally Not The Zodiac Killer” Cruz.
2:55: “Does anyone else taste purple?”
2:58: Look out! It’s a giant cloud anus!
3:06: No, not my Tetris pieces!
3:17: This is a good contender for Dream Theater’s next album art.
From Zero’s One Nation Under came out in 2001 via Arista Records.
