Just before the recording of her fifth album, Nika Roza Danilova returned to Wisconsin. An event that inspired her to reflect on her life. The Zola Jesus singer spent her childhood in the forests of this part of the US. During the same period, some dear people around her died and she was struggling with depression. It's a bit disrespectful to say, but these things fit in well with Zola Jesus'
… contemplative and dark music. Danilova sings on this record about the recent reunion and the loss in her life. She chose the album title Okovi, which means 'to bind' in various Slavic languages, after the chains we all have in life. That can be both positive and negative things. We are connected with each other, with our body, nature, the inevitable death, you name it. Although the songs on Okovi all have a gloomy background, Danilova's strong voice and the driving rhythms ensure that it remains pleasant to listen to. (JE)more
