Zola Jesus - Compass (hunger b-side)

Whenever, wherever new Zola Jesus material lands, like a dream high school boyfriend, you better know I'll be there.

Enter compass, the b-side to hunger, the second single from taiga. And with taiga in mind, compass doesn't go in the direction you'd (well, I'd) expect. It's distinctly softer, less abrupt. 

Zola also holds back on the superhuman vocals, and lets us into a side that is more relaxed, less forceful.

Perhaps for that reason, compass is the perfect ying to hunger's yang.

Eaux - Plastics

London threesome Eaux (the most awkward band name to bring up in conversation "Ew? What? Who?") have been knocking around since early 2012 after the demise of the cult Sian Alice Group.

In keeping with their SAG roots, Eaux's take on post-punk is mesmerising, but - refreshingly - electronic. L.O.V.E.

They released Plastics in August, and to steal a quote from Noisey, it's seaux good.

Zola Jesus - Taiga

Regular readers of this blog should be aware of my slightly Zola Jesus fangirl vibe, and her latest release Taiga has done nothing to dampen my love.

Taiga is definitely a slight departure from Zola's darker earlier work towards a more dance-pop (I can even imagine Rihanna singing on some of the tracks), but it's as triumphant, thoughtful and inspirational as any of her other work.

Stand-out tracks include Ego, Lawless and Hollow. 

Zola Jesus - Versions

In her 4th studio album, our beloved Zola Jesus offers up alternate, neo classical versions from her discography. Be prepared to want to revisit everything she has ever done after listening to this. My personal favourite version is the triumphant Fall Back.