It’s simultaneously exhilarating and frustrating when you come across an artist who evinces obvious talent, but who has yet to harness that talent in a way that allows for the creation of a truly memorable album. From my perspective, Stridulum (TMT Review) is the closest thing that Zola Jesus has come to greatness, but that’s unfortunate, considering that, despite being an EP, it has so far exceeded the quality of her full-length releases, including her most recent on Sacred Bones, Conatus (TMT Review). Ah well, practice makes perfect, as they say, and Zola Jesus appears to be taking the mantra to heart by seemingly neglecting the importance of a permanent residence and touring as much as she possibly can. Beginning in February, she’ll embark on her first — but likely not her only — American tour of the year.
Of course, when you’re analyzing the quality of an artist’s discography, the age of the artist in question often goes unconsidered. At 22, Zola Jesus has already accomplished more than many musicians her age, and it’s important to note that it wasn’t until she was 24 that the vocally-comparable Siouxsie Sioux and her Banshees released their hallmark album Juju. So I suspect it’s only a matter of time before the lady Jesus comes up with something masterful; if not, I will inevitably die a little inside, as I’m apt to do whenever a talented artist doesn’t reach what I perceive to be his or her full potential. Just consider me the music critic version of Heathcliff Huxtable.
Dates:
02.01.12 - Phoenix, AZ - The Crescent
02.03.12 - Austin, TX - Parish
02.04.12 - New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks
02.06.12 - Tampa, FL - Crowbar
02.08.12 - Orlando, FL - The Social
02.09.12 - Miami, FL - Bardot
02.10.12 - Tallahassee, FL - Club Downunder
02.11.12 - Birmingham, AL - Bottletree
02.16.12 - Washington DC - U Street Music Hall
02.17.12 - Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
02.18.12 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
02.20.12 - Columbus, OH - Skully’s
02.21.12 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
02.22.12 - Grinnell, IA - Herrick Chapelat Grinnell College
02.23.12 - St. Louis, MO - Luminary Arts
02.24.12 - Lawrence, KS - Granada
02.25.12 - Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
02.27.12 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
03.01.12 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
03.02.12 - Los Angeles, CA - Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
03.03.12 - San Diego, CA - Casbah
• Zola Jesus: http://zolajesus.com
• Sacred Bones: http://sacredbonesrecords.com
