Liz Harris of Grouper is back with a new record as Helen. The sounds of this project are not too different from those of her other band. And, frankly, anyone who's a fan of that one will likely love Linda's Head on Kranky too.
Opener "Faraway" is entrancing if brief. Liz's vocals sound like they were recorded from a distance, and the short track creates a dreamy atmosphere only slightly punctuated by "Starline" next. This one catches fire thanks to guitar from Harris, plus bass from Scott Simmons, and Jed Bindeman's work on the drums. Even better is the rippling "Endless Sky" which recalls the loveliest Georgia Hubley-sung numbers from Yo La Tengo. The second longest selection here might be the best. Recalling early Pale Saints efforts, "darkblue" lumbers through a dreamscape of sounds. It's both precise and a little haunting, with vocals deep in the mix.
This new one from Helen is really a record that's super easy to love. There's a richness here that suggests mysterious depths, even as the vocals from Liz Harris anchor the majority of the tracks here. There's a deft blend of moody post-punk and shoegaze elements here in the service of a clutch of brief numbers which all charm enormously. Highly recommended.
Linda's Head by Helen is out on Friday via Kranky.
[Photo: Kranky]