Review
Julia Holter's 'Something in the Room She Moves' is a kaleidoscopic journey through motherhood, loss, and creative rebirth. Released in March 2024, this sixth studio album from the avant-pop virtuoso blends art pop, jazz-infused post-rock, and psychedelic folk into a mesmerizing sonic tapestry. Holter's collaboration with Kenny Gilmore, Devin Hoff, and Chris Speed yields an innovative production style, incorporating field recordings from a nearby playground and even the sound of a phone thudding against a table.
The album's title, a playful twist on The Beatles' 'Something,' sets the stage for a work that's both intimate and expansive. Tracks like 'Spinning' and 'Evening Mood' showcase Holter's knack for crafting deeply personal yet universally resonant songs. 'Evening Mood,' inspired by the animated film Ponyo, features a liquid production style that evokes a sense of transformability.
This deeply personal work reflects Holter's experiences as a new mother during the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing both the innocence of new life and the complexities of loss. The album is dedicated to Holter's late nephew and features her grandfather's lap steel guitar, adding layers of familial significance to this already emotionally rich work. - Odessa
