Bleep

Goth pop powerhouse Zola Jesus returns to Sacred Bones Records for her first full length in 5 years with the compelling Arkhon. Though long known for her operatically-minded vocals, this LP is perhaps the greatest showcase of Zola Jesus’ prowess yet, offering some truly haunting moments of surrender. The LP reportedly derives its awesome power from the freedom in letting oneself slip into darkness. That dynamic is reflected both in the one-take intimacy of delicate tracks like ‘Desire’ and the revved-up force of stompers ‘The Fall’ and ‘Lost’. While far from an easy listen, Zola Jesus uses the pain of loss and despair across Arkhon not as something to outrun, but rather as a means of generating strength and resolve. It’s among her best work thus far.