Holter, Julia

Originally released on vinyl only via Leaving Records at the end of 2011, Julia Holter’s avant-pop masterpiece Tragedy picked up plaudit after plaudit, topping “Best Of” polls universally. Unknown to most critics and listeners, however, was the fact that the LP, as lush and cinematic as it was, was an abridged version. Night School is honored to release this album on CD—the first time Holter’s vision is realized to the full.  
Tragedy showcases Holter’s exploration of sonic textures and compositional techniques, elements that she evolves into achingly beautiful pop songs. These six tracks form a suite based on the ancient Greek play Hippolytus, a narrative that reveals itself slowly over the duration of the album but that does not detract from the universal beauty of the compositions. Eroded opera and field samples, sweeping synthesizers and mediative structures frame each song, giving Tragedy breathing space and allowing each nuance to fully captivate, while, above all, Holter’s effortless, heartfelt voice crystallizes each moment perfectly.