Zola Jesus: Valusia
Label: Sacred Bones
Valusia is the latest chapter in the continuing evolution of young Nika Roza Danilova, better known as Zola Jesus. No great departure here, just four gripping songs that bear out an improved sense of production and Danilova's growing skill in blending colors and light into her once charcoal-and-black compositions. While the dramatic, haunted "Tower" raises spires toward a darker heaven, the other three songs, especially the live staple "Sea Talk" and the piano-driven "Lightsick" find her gazing upward and outward toward some horizon we can only imagine through her utterly unique voice. (M.L. Thrope)
