Medisina Album Launch Photo from NME Asia
SINCE ZILD’S rise as a bassist in IV of Spades, he has been one of OPM’s most promising artists. The release of his solo albums, Homework Machine (2020) and Huminga (2021), have only solidified that fact. Whether it’s through unexpected genre shifts or compelling songwriting, Zild has much to offer—making his third solo album Medisina (2022) all the more exciting.
The fast-paced “CRAB” and “Dekada ‘70” open Medisina with a bang and provide a high energy start to the album. With lyrics such as “Sila'y lamang, 'di ko kayang sabayan sila / Lagi na lang nakakailang,” Zild’s songwriting on “CRAB” isn’t subtle when discussing insecurities about his skills along with the crab mentality of others. While his directness doesn’t detract from the song, it leaves a lot more nuance to be desired.
On the other hand, “Dekada ‘70” is even more direct, as it tackles the repetition of history—particularly the injustices of Martial Law. With lyrics like “Ayaw ko bumalik noong / Bawal ang magsalita.” The lack of nuance in Zild’s songwriting helps contribute to his vocal standpoint. His protest is further highlighted through electrifying combinations of synths, drums, and bass which amp up the fast pace that “CRAB” established prior. Together with the songwriting, “Dekada ’70” makes one of the most exciting tracks on the record.
Despite the album’s wide range of topics, young love is a major theme, with multiple tracks tackling romance in very different ways. The instrumentals in “Bahala Ka Na,” for example, make it one of the best songs in the album. Starting off slow and hypnotic, the song paints a picture of loss in a relationship. Muffled drums and ringing guitars convey the shock that would stem from the situation. All of the song’s build up bursts into one of the album’s most cathartic outros, with Zild belting over a harrowing guitar performance. As the midpoint of the record, “Bahala Ka Na” is an emotional experience.
The album picks up its energy with “Isang Anghel.” The song’s explosive composition of instruments, lyrics, and vocals combine into one of the most moshpit-head-banger-rock-out songs that Zild has released thus far. The song’s hopeful theme is complementary to Zild and the Marquez brothers’ music production. Although “Isang Anghel’s” placement as the seventh track feels odd—fitting in better among the album’s upbeat openers—it’s still exceptional in Zild’s entire discography.
On the other hand, “Dasal/Kasal” lacks the umph that the previous tracks have. Although extremely catchy and evocative of 2000’s romance songs, the song’s empty production and bland subject make it less impactful. With Zild's ability to write profound lyrics, the gray picture of love painted in the song feels inadequate. While still incredibly enjoyable, the song staggers the album as it draws to a close.
The album concludes with its titular track “Medisina,” which is its most somber song. Zild adds on to the gravitas of longing for somebody to love by taking imagery from natural disasters such as typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. The song’s “medicine” metaphor, however, is weak compared to the song’s previous imagery. However, its production accomplishes a slow build up of emotions that amazingly release into a purgative close for the entire album. Nicely enough, the desperation in both the lyrics and vocals echo the cathartic ground in “Bahala Ka Na’s” outro.From the throes of love to the insecurities that plague him, Medisina encapsulates Zild’s feelings from his youth in Manila. Even if there are some odd lyrics and questionable track placements that stagger the album’s pace, Zild manages to create a cohesive and compelling record that tackles mundane life.