[photo by Justina Villanueva]
New York City-based ZVI – the eclectic solo project of Ron Varod from Kayo Dot, Sabbath Assembly, Psalm Zero, So Is The Tongue, and more – presents a special two-song single, out today through Nefarious Industries. The new 7″, with the original “Dear Pink” on the A-side and a cover of Portishead’s “Undenied” on the B-side, acts as a precursory release ahead of the outfit’s upcoming LP.
While previous ZVI material can be interpreted as a minimal experimental drone twist on the traditional singer/songwriter, 2019 ushers in a new era of experimentation with the Deer Pink LP and it’s precursory single. In collaboration with producer Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Anna Von Hausswolff, Boris), Varod’s third full-length ZVI offering as well as its precursory “Dear Pink” b/w “Undenied” single introduce psychedelic analog synths and warped drum machines while almost flirting with pop melodies and forms.
ZVI‘s “Dear Pink” track was engineered, produced, and mixed by Randall Dunn who also helped with sound design of the track, with bass from guest musician Toby Driver (Kayo Dot, Maudlin Of The Well, Secret Chiefs 3). On the single’s flip side, the cover of Portishead’s “Undenied” was performed, recorded, and mixed by Varod himself at home. The tracks were mastered by Brian Pyle, and the package created with cover art by Paul Cristina, photography by Justina Villanueva, and layout by Greg Meisenberg.
Stream ZVI’s “Dear Pink” single and cover of Portishead’s “Undenied” HERE.
ZVI‘s “Dear Pink” b/w “Undenied” 7″ single is out today in a limited run of 100 copies on pink vinyl, and through all digital providers through Nefarious Industries. Place orders at Bandcamp HERE and the label webshop HERE, as well as through all digital providers.
The full details on ZVI‘s impending Deer Pink LP will be announced in the days ahead.
Varod is booking tour dates in support of the new material, leading with a one-off gig with comrades East Of The Wall in Long Branch, New Jersey on February 27th. Several days later, ZVI will perform at a Nefarious Industries-sponsored showcase with labelmates Zevious in Queens, New York on March 3rd. April sees ZVI crossing the country for a trek through Southern California with four shows April 4th through 7th alongside Jerkagram, followed immediately by a three-date Pacific Northwest run April 11th through 13th with To End It All and Xiphoid Dementia. Watch for additional tour dates to be announced.
ZVI Tour Dates:
2/27/2019 Brighton Bar – Long Branch, NJ w/ East Of The Wall [info]
3/03/2019 Trans Pecos – Queens, NY *Nefarious Industries showcase w/ Zevious, PAK, Hardpan (DJ) [info]
4/04/2019 TBA
4/05/2019 The Smell – Los Angeles, CA w/ Jerkagram, THIEF
4/06/2019 TBA – San Luis Obispo, CA
4/07/2019 Elbo Room – San Francisco, CA
4/11/2019 Teatro de la Psychomachia – Seattle, WA w/ To End It All, Xiphoid Dementia, Vanessa Skantze, Lye Feast [info]
4/12/2019 Cryptatropa – Olympia, WA w/ To End It All, Xiphoid Dementia, Clayface [info]
4/13/2019 Azoth – Portland, OR w/ To End It All, Xiphoid Dementia, Caustic Touch [info]
Slowly taking shape over the course of a few scarce live outings and recordings dating back to 2004, ZVI‘s self-titled debut was finally released in 2014. Death Stops Us All followed in 2016, featuring guest vocalist Alan Dubin (Khanate, Gnaw), engineer Colin Marston (Gorguts, Krallice), and the mastering talents of James Plotkin (Khanate) to better capture Varod’s expansive sonic palate.
The past several years have seen ZVI embark on several tours throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe opening for acts such as The Black Queen, Mouth Of The Architect, Jonah Matranga (Far, etc.), and Telefon Tel Aviv, as well as a slot on the 2018 Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Netherlands alongside Converge, Godflesh, Zola Jesus, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
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