www.zolajesus.com/
I've featured Zola Jesus quite a few times already, but the re-worked EP / LP (whichever you want to call it) is out next week and I got a copy yesterday... here his my album review... Buy it from amazon
or Rough Trade (with exclusive mix-tape).After the release of numerous State-side EP's, 7"s and The Spoils LP this constitutes Zola Jesus' first UK release.
At face value it represents a reworked version of the earlier Stridulum EP with three new songs added to make it a full length (although a short one at circa half an hour). Named Stridulum II it features a reworked cover of Nika Roza Danilova covered in chocolate.
The US will get the three new songs on an EP due out in October through Sacred Bones called Valusia. That release will have two more new songs, being greedy; I wish we had them too!
The most striking difference from the Zola Jesus we saw in The Spoils (and the bulk of Nika's earlier work) is the change from lo-fi, industrial noise Queen with distorted vocal. No longer does the “Zola Jesus” sound characterise the "home recording" essence.
Instead, now we see polished production and (for me) a welcome clarity to Nika's voice. The accessibility this brings, set against undoubtedly "pop" songs will introduce a whole new audience to Nika's exquisite delivery.
"Night", one of the strongest openers of any album in a long time sets the theme perfectly. It's atmospherically a haunting beauty of a song. Exquisite use of synth beats and drumming that will become a highlight of the album, with Nika's classically trained vocal shining throughout. The ominous drama of the song (and throughout the album) sends the song to an epic conclusion. A truly wonderful anthem.
"I Can't Stand" is another highlight, soaring heartfelt vocals with a chorus that could turn up on the next Marina hit-single. “It’s not easy to fall in love / but if you’re lucky you just might find someone /so don’t let it get you down.”... It's Dark and brooding, it’s rhythmic drums only amplify the mood. "I can't stand to see you this way / It's going to be alright" we are repeatedly reminded at the conclusion. I think so too.
"Run Me Out" industrial rhythms make this aching ballad another highlight, such heartfelt pain in Nika’s lyrics, yet the song manages to capture an essence so beautiful all the same. "Manifest Destiny" is another monster of a song. Carrying a sense of foreboding melodrama throughout, "How can we survive..."another towering synthpop anthem for this dark age.
Of the "Bolt-On" tracks, synths take the forefront in "Tower". Blade Runner esque epic-ness spring to my mind. "Sea Talk" (a re-worked song as I've previously discussed) is perfect - it builds up, anthem like with crushing synths looped over its wonderful chorus. "Lipstick" might just be my favourite. Piano led and majestic.
So whilst long-term fans might feel aggrieved at the introduction of just three new songs, to me that's not an issue as Nika has been prolific this past 18 months. The LA Vampires split being released just a few months ago.
Stridulum II is a true work of art. Gothic, dark and atmospheric are all words you are going to see banded around to describe the album. A breaking up / love album for the horror genre. It introduces emotions that the “Twilight” series can only dream of.
Anyone who loves dark-pop, will find something they can connect with here.
The exciting part for me, is that Nika's best work might still be on the horizon.
8.9 / 10
It's not too late to see Nika in the UK in a couple of weeks. She also returns in November as part of the Xiu Xiu / Former Ghosts / Zola Jesus super tour. Dates can be found on my last post here.
Zola Jesus - Sea Talk 2010 by morrisday
ZOLA JESUS "NIGHT" MUSIC VIDEO from FUTURE PRIMITIVE FILMS on Vimeo.
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