Zola Jesus - Conatus

I've been spinning the latest LP from Zola Jesus non stop since it's arrival. Following the same direction as last years Stridulum II with a less noise more pop sound which I don't mind one bit. I don't delve into much electronic music but for me this record is all about the vocals. What an amazing voice. That being said there's nothing wrong with the sounds Nika sings over it's just her voice is that great I could listen to her sing over anything. I'm even hearing some Nine Inch Nails influence here, especially on the first single "Vessel".  Watch the video below. This was put out by Sacred Bones in the US which is where I got this clear version from but it's also been released in Europe by Souterrain Transmissions on 180 gram vinyl. I would suggest forking out the extra for the 180 gram edition as mine is so thin it's almost a flexi! I'll probably buy one too as it looks like this is going to get worn out pretty quick the rate I'm playing it.

Zola Jesus - Vessel from Souterrain Transmissions on Vimeo.

Burial Hex / Zola Jesus - Split

This 12" has been out for awhile but I just snagged a copy before it sold out. Put out by Aurora Borealis, this was the second press on clear vinyl limited to 350 copies. I bought it for the Zola Jesus side but ended up really enjoying Burial Hex's creepy horror electronics. I'd love to hear more but with 46 releases out so far, it's hard to know where to start. With my compulsive collecting habits that could be a really bad idea. The Zola Jesus side is one 19 minute long song titled Julius & Ethel. It's pretty different to her last few releases, with this being more experimental electronics. Very dark stuff and Nika's distinctive vocals sound like a wailing ghost.

Zola Jesus - Stridulum II

Here's one of the albums that made my best of 2010 list and was probably the most played LP on that list too. It's basically the Stridulum Ep with three extra songs added to expand it into a full length. This girl has an amazing classically trained voice and sounds a bit like a modern Siouxsie Sioux. I'd describe Zola Jesus as gothic noise pop with this release leaning more towards the pop side of things than her earlier releases. You can get this on white vinyl from Souterrain Transmissions.