Since premiering her Zola Jesus project at age 17, Cleveland’s Nika Roza Danilova has emerged from the gothic lo-fi murk of earlier recordings with pristine synth-pop bombast, aided by producer Chris Coady (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, !!!, TV on the Radio and other hep NYC acts). This year’s previous collaboration with LA Vampires offered more inspired experimental fare, but the Valusia EP is no less enjoyable in its ethereal homage to the Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance and, well, the 1980s in general.
As Danilova’s voice floats above the radiating electronics and arch violins of opener “Poor Animal,” it’s clear she’s stepped up her sonic game. Sinead O’Connor-style torch-burner “Tower” raises the tension considerably, while it’s easy to imagine the high-drama “Sea Talk” soundtracking anything from a car commercial to a Sophia Coppola flick. The four-song quickie closes out with “Lightstick,” as Danilova swaps out her synth for a piano and belts to the stadium’s back rows.
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