Rating: NNN
Compared to previous releases by Zola Jesus (aka Nika Danilova), Stridulum is almost a pop album. Stripped of the distortion and haze of her early work, her new synth-heavy sound isn’t too far from that of Fever Ray (with whom she toured earlier this year). But despite the higher production values, it’s still a very dark goth-pop album.
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The focus is still on Danilova’s unearthly wail, which continues to send chills up our spine. On the downside, being able to hear the songs underneath the noise reveals the limitations of her songwriting. This EP seems like six variations on the same musical theme. The idea itself isn’t the problem (she is quite good at it), but she needs to come up with a few more before she heads into the studio to record her next full-length album.
Top track: Manifest Destiny
Zola Jesus plays Sneaky Dee’s June 17, 9 pm, and the Garrison June 18, 10 pm, as part of NXNE.
