Julia Holter – Something In The Room She Moves

Julia Holter’s sixth studio album, “Something In The Room She Moves,” is a sonic exploration inspired by the childlike wonder of her newborn daughter. Released in March 2024, the album marks a shift in Holter’s usual creative process. Composed with collaborators Devin Hoff, Chris Speed, and producer Kenny Gilmore, the music moves away from her well-known literary influences and embraces a playful, whimsical spirit.

While echoes of the anxieties of the pandemic and early motherhood can be felt, the overall mood leans towards a sense of discovery and joy. The album’s instrumentation reflects this, incorporating experimental flourishes alongside more traditional arrangements. Imagine waltzing melodies chased by bursts of saxophone, punctuated by the ethereal sounds of the Indian flute.

This isn’t to say the album is all sunshine and rainbows. Holter’s signature introspective lyricism still peeks through, adding depth and nuance to the playful soundscapes. “Something In The Room She Moves” captures the essence of new motherhood: the exhaustion, the wonder, the all-encompassing love, all wrapped up in a beautifully crafted musical tapestry.