Julia Holter releases album number six in the form of Something In The Room She Moves. The New York polymath showcases many sides to the creative spectrum.

Released: Available Now

Label: Domino Recordings

Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital

Julia Holter is an American singer/songwriter, composer, producer, academic and artist; a polymath if you will.

Something In The Room She Moves is Holter’s 6th studio album and her first since 2018’s sprawling Aviary. Again, the album is released via the ever reliable Domino Records, and what is more reliable is Holter’s ability to create top quality music that challenges and comforts at the same time.

Like many musicians in the early part of the twenties, global struggles and our ability to deal with such struggles form much of the background to Something In The Room She Moves. During the pandemic, Holter became a first time mother; this experience roots the album in the present whereas previous efforts had maybe looked further forward or at the subconscious.

Sun Girl opens up the album in off kilter fashion. Synth stabs, warm bass, woodwind and Holter’s brilliant voice deliver a glitchy and mesmeric start. Percussive effects clink and clank throughout which adds another musical layer. These Morning continues with warmth through musical texture. Julia Holter’s ability to create an otherworldly feeling in her music is a rich talent. A jazzier bent is offered with the trumpet and double bass work. It is a sumptuous piece.

The title track proceeds in more formulaic mode, but it is no less enchanting. You could almost say that some of the music is progressive jazz folk. It is a beguiling and beautiful mix. Materia opts for a more ballad like tone with twinkling keys and Holter singing with aching beauty showcasing her dynamic range.

Meyou is probably the most experimental of the compositions here. It is an experiment in layering voices both in their pure form and in musically manipulated ways. Spinning has a hypnotic rhythm whilst wild flute motifs and bass runs spurt from the core. Julia Holter again utilises her voice wonderfully; the dream pop vocal feelings from previous outings retain the thread of styles used before.

Ocean is an ambient work that evokes the work of the neo-classical works of people like Max Richter and Johann Johansson. The light sections offer a lilting elevation but when the synths produce deeper sounds and sound he flute, sax and cello are added, there is a real ambiguity and unpredictable nature in the offing.

Evening Mood continues the ambient synth mood. It’s hard not to draw comparisons to Vangelis and Blade Runner. However, after a little break from vocals, Holter returns. Talking To A Whisper pushes the jazzier style much further than any of the other compositions here. Flute and saxophone dance together throughout whilst Holter delivers another sumptuous vocal performance. Who Brings Me closes the album in tender fashion. There is a true warmth throughout.

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