Tonight’s Concert Pick: Zola Jesus and Psychic Teens at First Unitarian Church

With an alias like Zola Jesus, it is apparent that Nika Roza Danilova has no problem ruffling a few feathers. The atheist Russian-American singer has said, “I believe in not avoiding things you’re afraid of. Especially really dark things.” Dark is an understatement for Danilova’s music, which is downright gothic and occasionally sinister. With distant, menacing vocals suspended over an array of electronic arrangements, her songs evoke the isolated hunting environment of Danilova’s rural Wisconsin upbringing. Her latest album, Conatus (released in the U.S. earlier this month), is more upbeat and accessible than her previous work, but does not shy away from the supernatural obscurity she is known for. Instead, Danilova continues to popularize and deface darkness for her listeners by embracing every angle of her distinctive sound. Zola Jesus will be performing with Xanopticon and Psychic Teens Thursday, October 20th at 8 pm at The First Unitarian Church; tickets to the all ages event are $13. —Caitlyn Grabenstein

Opening act Psychic Teens was just in the WXPN studios last night recording a Key Studio Session which we’ll release later this month. The local trio will celebrate the release of its debut LP, TEEN, on November 10th. You can listen to the LP below; you can order a digital copy for $5 via Bandcamp, or pre-order the LP (on white or black vinyl) for $15 (including digital download) via Golden Voyage Records.