Zola Jesus - Tsar Bomba (2009)

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The namesake for this EP is the largest, most powerful nuclear bomb ever detonated.

"We're still playing catch-up with the extraordinary Zola Jesus, here discovering her bruising 'Tsar Bomba' EP from 2009. She's in relentlessly maudlin and overpowering form over the seven tracks, keeping the noise levels in the red to accentuate the anguish and darkly elemental power of her songs. For the most part we still can't tell what she's singing and that's one of her most intriguing traits, like Burial or Cocteau Twins, managing to convey visceral and enigmatic emotions without the objective burden of clarity. However, when the fallout patina of apocalyptic noise subsides on 'Seatalk' her presence is only magnified, like we've been granted a one-on-one seance with a forgotten goth queen, able to study her palid features in more intimate detail. Much like her split with Burial Hex, the exaggerated noise and guitar/bass turmoil of this LP is maybe for the braver listener, but if you're willing to go out there you'll reap the rewards. Amazing."
via boomkat