Since the band’s inception, Zola Jesus — a.k.a. Nika Roza Danilova — has always treaded the thin line between card-carrying goth and bleak synth enthusiast: if you’re not quite into that whole hair gel and eyeliner thing, you extol her opera-trained voice. If you are a fan of the darker side of things and you’re still conflicted about whether The Sisters of Mercy or Bauhaus is the best band ever, then the reasons for loving Zola Jesus are pretty obvious. Just last year, she made best-of lists across the web with multiple EPs (Stridulum, Valusia, L.A. Vampires Meets Zola Jesus), and some compellingly gooey artwork — in addition to opening for The xx nationwide. Well, la-di-da, you say; but what’s she doing this year for neu mall goths?
The answer is enough to make your cheeks a bit red. Besides the summer festival circuit (Pitchfork, the UK, Sweden, Portugal), Zola Jesus has announced a new album, Conatus, out October 4 on Sacred Bones. Listen to the new single at our Chocolate Grinder, or go to Sacred Bones’ website to download it. Fans of Zola Jesus won’t be disappointed, and fans of Mercury Rev may have a problem ignoring the piano keys reminiscent of the opening credits for House.
Conatus tracklisting:
01. Swords
02. Avalanche
03. Vessel
04. Hikikomori
05. Ixode
06. Seekir
07. In Your Nature
08. Lick the Palm of the Burning Handshake
09. Shivers
10. Skin
11. Collapse
Dates:
07.16.11 - Chicago, IL - Pitchfork Festival
08.04.11 - Herefordshire, UK - Big Chill
08.06.11 - London, UK - Field Day
08.07.11 - Zambujeira Do Mar, Portugal - Sudoeste
08.11.11 - Stockholm, Sweden - Debaser
08.12.11 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Way Out West
08.13.11 - Moscow, Russia - Strelka
08.14.11 - Hamburg, Germany - Dockville
09.03.11 - North Dorset, UK - End of the Road
09.04.11 - County Louis, Ireland - Electric Picnic
09.11.11 - Isle of Wight, UK - Bestival
• Zola Jesus: http://zolajesus.com
• Sacred Bones: http://www.sacredbonesrecords.com