Venezuela’s Zeta have been blending screamo and post-rock for over two decades now, most recently materializing on Jeremy Bolm’s 2023 celebration of the former genre, Balladeers, Redefined, and following that contribution up with a full album back in April. The collective is already back with another full-length collection planned for January, with Was It Medicine to You? marking the Spanish-language group’s first release to be entirely sung in English.
Additionally, the collection packs some exciting collaborations, including guest spots from fiery Soul Glo vocalist (and certified nu-balladeer) Jordan Pierce and post-hardcore vet Anthony Green, who sings on the second single from the album, the freshly released “Steps.” With his higher-pitched register only emphasizing the connections between the band and the Latin-prog of The Mars Volta, the new track serves the crucial function of inviting listeners to seek out a support group—through narcotics anonymous or otherwise—if they’re struggling. “This is a song inspired by the N/A rooms,” the band elaborates. “‘Keep coming back’ is what they say—how they end every reading, every interaction. Every time someone participates and shares something they say ‘Keep coming back,’ all together, and I found that really inspiring.”
The song comes paired with an intense music video that involves a house party and some more abstract imagery, with Green literally phoning in his verse over video chat. Check that out below, and pre-order the new album here. You can also peruse the band’s upcoming tour dates here.
