Two musical revelations occurred today: the latest releases from the fantastic Julia Holter and the news that Evian Christ has signed to Tri-Angle records and instantly released a mix of his YouTube endeavors. Although the pieces of music have very little in common, I found myself comparing the two. Evian Christ’s ‘Kings and Them’ is an ‘album’ comprised of syncopated beats (slightly Footwork/Juke sounding, as everyone keeps saying) hiphop samples and ambience (he samples Grouper for god’s sake).
Julia Holter is releasing a new album, ‘Exstasis’, in March via RVNG. Her last album ‘Tragedy’ was a minimalist, ambient joy, but already Holter has changed her sound to focus more on her vocals and the arrangement of that. Firstly there was ‘Marienbed’, composed almost entirely of layered vocals. It’s a striking piece of music, almost orchestral in its composition and depth. Then came ‘In the Same Room’, released today. This too focuses on her vocals, but has a distinct pop aesthetic.
Julia Holter - Marienbad
I find myself comparing the two purely because the Internet made me; both artists received plenty of online attention. But in my battle of the Hype on 2nd Februaru Holter wins hands down. Where Holter excels is in her detail to soundscape. I find myself intensely listening to every detail and tone, such as the whistling at the end of 'In the Same Room' to the crescendo of percussion during 'Marienbed'. It's intelligent music. Evian Christ adds depth from his ambience and choppy samples but it can't quite compete and doesn’t command the same intelligence in its arrangement, sound and tone.
It's probably completely unfair to compare the too, Evain Christ has released seven songs while Holter has released various EPs and an album. Christ obviously has plenty of time to refine and develop the production and I am looking forward to Christ’s Tri-Angle release. But for now, I think it's best if we all just listen to Julia Holter and maybe cry.
(Out in March)
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