Free Download – Zola Jesus’ “I Can’t Stand”

August 13th, 2010

Zola Jesus is the pseudonym of Nika Roza Danilova, an enigmatic singer and multi-instrumentalist from Phoneix, Arizona who makes dark and beautiful music. Talented as she is prolific, she has already released 2 singles, 2 EPs and 3 albums, the most recent of which is the Stridulum EP, a haunting collection of six tracks that Pitchfork rated an 8.1. Oh, did I mention she’s only 21 and just graduated from university this week? (Congrats, btw!)

Her music is lo-fi without being daft and gothic without being lame or tryhard, but it’s her voice that really sets her apart. Danilova sports an operatic and majestic bellow that soars above the gritty harmonic foundation, creating a gripping and evocative listening experience. Her musical proclivities aren’t just restricted to lo-fi/gothic/experimental indie rock however, she recently recorded a faux-RnB/electro track with Rory Kane which featured her singing in all her autotuned glory, 2008-9 Kanye style. I personally love it, but it’s bound to be divisive and many, I’m sure, will detest it. In any case,  ZJ is definitely an artist to keep an eye out for, with two of her records out through Other Tongues this month, and a new record on the way.

Below is the track “I Can’t Stand”, from the aforementioned Stridulum EP, feel free to stream and download.

[to download, click the arrow on the right of the waveform]