THE ZEBECKS DELVE INTO TOXIC MASCULINITY WITH NEW SINGLE ‘MEDICATE’

THE GLASGOW QUARTET RETURN WITH THEIR FIRST RELEASE OF THE YEAR | BY MORGAN HERMISTON

For their third single, and their first of 2024, Glasgow quartet The Zebecks bring a fiery fusion of punk, indie and rock to life with latest track, ‘Medicate’. Following on from their first two 2023 singles, ‘Killing Time’ and ‘Breakthrough’, The Zebecks continue to find their footing and have now secured a perfect place in the local music scene and beyond.

‘Medicate’ delves into the forever relevant and contentious conversations of misogyny and toxic masculinity. As a group of four men, some women may be automatically reluctant to listen to men explaining a concept that most women know all about. However, this is why I was excited to listen to this track. To have four men push against the societal expectations that many of them will have faced makes them ideal individuals to discuss both of the primary concepts within this track.

In an anthem that advocates anger and frustration on behalf of both women and men, ‘Medicate’ takes listeners on a journey. There are so many messages to be faced with as you listen and the vibrant vocals and striking Scottish accent makes them undeniably understandable. Throughout the track, listeners are transported through various points including measures implemented to become more ‘masculine’ and how these measures produce “misogynistic norms” that are “ingrained into the core”.

With phrases like “if it’s a joke then just laugh”, the versatility makes it a phrase that both groups will have heard at least once. On the one hand, you may have heard this if a male friend has made a “joke” or remark about a woman and you’re expected to laugh along and accept it. On the other hand, you may be a woman who has heard this response when you don’t give the expected reaction to such a remark. Either way, The Zebecks open up the conversation for drawing boundaries as to where a “joke” ends and misogyny begins.

As heavy and present as the messages are in ‘Medicate’, the underlying concept comes with the lyric “I’m not alone”. The Zebecks use this newest addition to their growing discography to emphasise that no matter how you feel or what pressures you’ve experienced, others have felt this way too. The angry anthem takes foundation away from practices we no longer want to adhere to, and the Zebecks provide an incredible indie-founded track with the poignant punk-inspired portrayals that have now become common. I can’t speak for everyone, but I would much rather see punk become a norm again than carry on misogyny as one.

With The Zebecks describing their style as a blend of “punk with poetry” and “introspective lyricism with indie” melodies, I was excited to see what was next for them. ‘Medicate’ does not disappoint and is a tune you will definitely have on repeat. The Glasgow group provide a brilliant balance of enough anger that makes you excited to listen, with enough vibrancy that you can still understand their message.

BY MORGAN HERMISTON