Something in the Room She Moves

After several years devoted to crafting an album steeped in classical influences and composing a film soundtrack, Julia Holter makes a return to the studio, picking up where she left off with her acclaimed 2018 release, ''.

Let me dive straight and say it's the first release of the year that has captivated me from the opening notes to the closing track. Holter's unique blend of mystique pop songwriting prowess, coupled with her knack for conjuring atmospheric soundscapes reminiscent of' debut or the solo works of, is what immediately drew me in. There's an enigmatic quality to the music, a sense of mystery that washes over you.

Each track on the album contributes to a larger, cohesive narrative—a palette of sound that paints a vivid portrait. It's like traversing through an impenetrable jungle, where every step is filled with the feeling of being watched from the shadows, yet whatever lurks remains out of sight, cautiously waiting, never to appear.

I won't say I was surprised by the quality of this album, because it's Julia Holter for crying out loud, but I'd be lying if a part of me didn't think this was going to bomb. Thank God I was wrong.