Zola Jesus opened for the xx nearly two years ago at the Fox Theatre in Oakland, easily becoming the most pleasant surprise of the night. That's saying something considering the show was stacked, with fellow openers Warpaint being as outrageously beautiful as they are, and headliners the xx beefing up their set and presence to suit their ever-growing success.
Sometimes you remember exactly how you felt the first time you heard a song. A song you've heard 100 times. Beyond all the memories and feelings you've since attached to it. You remember the exact drink in your hand and the friends surrounding you that regrettably you forgot you had.
I heard "I Can't Stand" and was instantly taken, especially by her voice, so hauntingly powerful it completely enveloped the 2,800-capacity room. I remember. I remember. I remember. Perfectly.