Zola Jesus: Okovi (Colored Vinyl) Vinyl LP

"The music was written in pure catharsis." Zola Jesus's latest release on Sacred Bones is dark and emotional, but the dramatic goth-pop compositions also share soothing moments, and that might be due to the singer-songwriter's powerful yet calm, collected vocals. Heavy synth work dominates the musical backing, with ominous strings and detailed textures setting an epic, ethereal mood, and Zola's voice cuts through sharply to speak of "tragedy with great wisdom and clarity." The songs almost have a meditative quality to them, and Okovi is an engaging listen from the very first note to the last. Highlights include "Exhumed," "Soak," "Remains," and "Siphon."

• rust colored vinyl
• music label: Sacred Bones Records 2017

reviewed by nakaveli 09/2017