Zvi

ZVI is the solo output of Ron Varod (Kayo Dot, Sabbath Assembly, Psalm Zero). Slowly taking shape over the course of a few scarce live outings and recordings dating back to 2004, Varod’s self-titled debut was finally released in 2014. Death Stops Us All followed in 2016, featuring guest vocalist Alan Dubin of 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.

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 Deer Pink. In collaboration with producer Randall Dunn (Sunn O))), Anna Von Hausswolff), Varod’s third full-length offering introduces psychedelic analog synths and warped drum machines while almost flirting with pop melodies and forms. The six-track LP was mastered by Brian Pyle of Ensemble Economique, features contributions from Carl Gene, Toby Driver (Kayo Dot, Secret Chiefs 3) and Matthew Keys (A Fucking Elephant), and is complemented by the artwork of Paul Cristina.