Description
The latest album from Grouper, her first in four years, sees Liz Harris stripping away the elaborate effects that characterized her previous releases. Instead, she pairs her haunting vocals with sparse piano gestures, creating a beautifully vulnerable and evocative sound. This shift in direction may come as a surprise to fans familiar with Grouper‘s previous work, but it reveals a newfound strength in fragility.
Grid Of Points was recorded in Wyoming shortly after finishing Grouper‘s previous album, Ruins, which was recorded in Portugal. The contrast in recording locations is palpable, with the album capturing the essence of the windswept Atlantic coastline as well as the isolated and sparse landscapes of Wyoming. Despite the constraints of a high fever during the recording process, Harris managed to write seven stunning songs that showcase her most legible lyrics and intimate instrumentation. The lack of post-processing and filters gives her voice a plaintive clarity, occasionally layered with ephemeral harmonies and infused with soulful inflections. The modest piano phrasing adds to the delicate nature of the album, creating a haunting atmosphere that resonates with Grouper‘s previous work. Listening to Grid Of Points feels like rediscovering Grouper‘s music with fresh ears, as if we’ve been missing out on the true essence of her songs all along. This album is a testament to Harris’ growth as an artist and her ability to create deeply affecting music through simplicity. The influence of George Gurdjieff, whose mystical meditations inspired The Group, the Fourth Way commune that Harris took her moniker from, can be felt in the magick of Grid Of Points. Fans of Grouper and artists like Julianna Barwick and Marissa Nadler will surely appreciate the ethereal beauty and emotional depth of this album.
