Julia Holter recorded her previous albums alone in her bedroom. Third time out, she’s taken things up a notch. Loud City Song was put together in a studio with an ensemble of musicians. Here, her haunting vocals are surrounded on all sides by violins, piano and cymbals. The result isn’t always as mellifluous as you might hope.
Holter has been known for her narrative songwriting. On this occasion the vibe is weird with a capital ‘W’. ‘World’ rolls out over a painfully slow tempo, backed by a choir you’d be more likely to hear at 9 o’clock mass than on a modern indie album.
Her unusual approach to arrangements works in some cases. ‘In The Green Wild’ is dominated by a funky bassline, overlaid with spoken word verses. After a few listens, Loud City Song begins to grow on you. But only so far...

Key Track: 'In The Green Wild'