This week, instead of writing my usual “Blast Worship” article on some goregrind band from Delaware that has only twelve listeners on Spotify, I’ve decided to focus on an issue a little more timely and urgent than taking 500 words to describe the difference between pitch-shifted vocal techniques.
It has been brought to my attention that the guitarist of the Venezuelan band Zeta is currently mired in a legal battle to stay here in the United States. Zeta has been pretty much touring these United States since playing 71 Grind back in June and every member of the band was granted residency except for the aforementioned guitarist, on the grounds that the court believes that being the guitarist of a band is not special enough a reason to be granted an extended stay here in this country.
Musically, Zeta’s music is an incredible blend of atmospheric post-rock and mathy post-hardcore with elements of South American drumming spliced in throughout their songs. The overall product is dreamy, surreal and incredibly unique. Though I’m not as well versed in this music as I am in bowel-churning grindcore, some bands that come to mind when listening to Zeta are The Mars Volta, Deafheaven, Envy, Explosions in the Sky, Test and Pink Floyd. There’s truly something for everyone here.
But more importantly than just their music is the opportunity for us, the Decibel readership and beyond, to really help someone out here. A lot of us waste away our hours and days shitposting on various social media sites about our gripes with the current political direction of this country but right here is a golden opportunity to actually step in and make a difference on a certain issue that has seemingly been on the tip of everyone’s tongue for the past several years.
So I implore you, buy Zeta’s music, send them messages of support, buy their merch, go see them live, do whatever you can. If you’re reading this right now it means that music has probably given you a lot to be happy about within the context of your life and right now is a perfect opportunity to show your appreciation and give back:
