REVIEW: Zolita Announces New Album, ‘Hell’s Belles,’ and Teases a Brand New Sound in Her Latest Single, “Hardcore”
WRITTEN BY LOGAN FLEMING
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Zolita’s latest single “Hardcore” marks a noticeable shift from the artist’s previous work on her 2021 indie pop album, Evil Angel, and from her second most recent single, “Hell’s Belles.” Zolita is no stranger to a darker pop sound, but “Hardcore” is different from anything she’s done before. With its buzzy analogue bass line and smooth cool girl vocals, the new single is reminiscent of the grimy recession pop that the internet can’t seem to get enough of lately.
Although the track fits in right along with the sleazy synthpop of the mid-2000’s, “Hardcore” holds its own alongside the genre’s modern-revival hits of today's post-hyperpop landscape. Inspiration from the early work of artists like Ke$ha and mid-aughts tracks like Britney Spears’ “Piece of Me” is apparent throughout the single’s grungy instrumental and raunchy lyrics.
What truly sets this single apart is Zolita's comfortability in her lyrical voice, which lends itself to an effortless balance of ironic detachment and earnest sincerity, keeping the nostalgic sound fresh and culturally relevant for 2026.
Her upcoming album Hell’s Belles, out August 28, will continue to experiment with contradiction and duality, containing a mix of softer tracks like its titular single, and more hedonistic electroclash like “Hardcore.” With its mix of rock, country and electronic influences, it’s safe to say this album will have something for every place and occasion, be that the pregame, the dancefloor, or driving a stick-shift truck down the winding backroads of your hometown.