The Stranger

Twenty-two-year-old Nika Roza Danilova wields a tremendously powerful voice. Performing under the name Zola Jesus, the recent University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate (French and philosophy) has released a flurry of records in the last three years, each one building in weight and impact. Constructions—largely composed of drum machine, brooding synthesizer progressions, and Danilova's operatically informed vocal work—are dark, ominous, and absolutely gorgeous. Last year's four-song Valusia EP is an all-too-brief triumph, but it's possibly the first to fully harness the woman's incredible talent. This seems like just the beginning for the young diva. Prepare to be enthralled. (Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave, www.thecrocodile.com, 8 pm, $10, 21+) by Grant Brissey

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