Bleep

Given the sheer beauty of Julia Holter's 2011 album, 'Tragedy', it is all the more astonishing that 'Ekstasis' treads similarly dazzling boards. Her rich compositions are this time presented on New York label, RVNG Intl., the home of recent upbeat marvels from Blondes, and therefore perhaps a perfect home for a poppier sounding Holter. Don't let descriptions of 'pop' fool you though, her latest long player is anything but commercial and conventional, what is most striking about 'Ekstasis' are the complexities and unconventional compositional tweaks and touches, Holter's voice this time taking a driving seat. The otherworldly modern-classic from her last album, 'Goddess Eyes', too good to leave as it was, also appears in its sequel form with extra zest.