Zvi Deer Pink

Zvi (Kayo Dot) releasing 'Deer Pink' (stream "Kettle Dreams")

Zvi, the solo project of NYC multi-instrumentalist Ron Varod (Kayo Dot, Psalm Zero, Sabbath Assembly, etc), is releasing his new album Deer Pink on April 12 via Nefarious Industries (pre-order physical or digital). Ron wrote and recorded the vocals, guitars, synths, programming, and electronics himself, and the album features contributions from Randall Dunn (who also engineered it), Carl Gene, Toby Driver (also of Kayo Dot), and Matthew Keys (A Fucking Elephant, East Of The Wall). We’re premiering album opener “Kettle Dreams,” and here’s what Ron tells us about it:

The first half of this track is unapologetic Anna Calvi worship, the drum programming and synths on the second half are Peter Gabriel inspired and I can’t help but try to emulate Daryl Palumbo from Glassjaw’s vocals since I was 14 years old.

The eclecticism of this song lends itself to the bipolar nature of this whole record musically and lyrically. I wanted to kick off LP #3 with something unique from all the past Zvi records and the other bands I’ve played in. For me it really stands out and might be my favorite track on the album.

Anna Calvi meets Peter Gabriel meets Glassjaw? That’s a pretty apt description for this mind-bending, slow-burning song. It starts out with just some psychedelic electric guitar, but it turns into something much grander. Listen below.

Tracklist
I. Kettle Dreams
II. Dear Pink
III. Follow The Snake
IV. Low & Trite
V. The Amputee
VI. Handcramps

Zvi — 2019 Tour Dates
4/04/2019 Milk Boy – Philadelphia, PA w/ Gargoyl
4/05/2019 The Smell – Los Angeles, CA w/ Jerkagram, Thief
4/06/2019 The Sorting Facility – Paso Robles, CA w/ Jerkagram, Malfet
4/07/2019 Elbo Room Jack London – Oakland, CA w/ Jerkagram, Ensemble Economique, No Lights
4/11/2019 Teatro de la Psychomachia – Seattle, WA w/ To End It All, Xiphoid Dementia, Vanessa Skantze, Lye Feast
4/12/2019 Cryptatropa – Olympia, WA w/ To End It All, Xiphoid Dementia, Clayface
4/13/2019 Azoth – Portland, OR w/ To End It All, Xiphoid Dementia, Caustic Touch