Zola Jesus Delights In (Glasgow's) Stereo
Published
On entering Stereo one of Glasgow’s more impressive venues, it’s initially a somewhat subdued, respectful atmosphere that greets the classically trained Zola Jesus. With a sound progressively evolving to mutate into the Bjork/Banks electro seemingly trip-hop template, that now awaits.
Stereo’s cavern-like surroundings proving well suited to an engaging, emotive “Hunger” all drum and bass rhythms, and passionate vocals pushed to the fore. Further enhanced via the unleashing of early highlight “Dark Days”.
With special mention to the band’s drummer, standing at his drum kit like a modern day Mo Tucker, with tribal, percussive drumming underpinning and mapping the band’s flow throughout.
In turn as the show progresses things start to heat up as a whole, with the aforementioned singer seemingly channeling the spirits of Morrison, Cobain et al via random walks on top of the speaker stack and soaring vocals, even some head banging thrown in, particularly demonstrated in some acapella vocal gymnastics which singularly draw a brief standing ovation.
In turn the band flowing well throughout, working well dynamically to breathe life into the songs. At times heavy and then quickly transforming into an ethereally trance-like template witnessed in an impressive live “Nail”, with its’ refraining ‘set me free’ vocal line.
The band now apparently in control of the moment, with a singer now seemingly fully engaged and set on commanding the spotlight. Now throwing in earlier material as the set closes on early single “Night” with its’ glacier, creepy synth lines bubbling way to create something both compelling and emotive. To compound an engaging, enjoyable performance to take away into a familiarly winter Glasgow night.
Words by John Tonner
