March was female. Fact. Julia Holter returned with “Ekstasis” (RVNG Intl.), just a year later after the word of mouth success of her debut “Tragedy” and keeping on her own personal research of ancient Greece iconography, field recordings and world music. The surprise effect may be gone (and hopefully so will the constant comparisons to Joanna Newsom) but the songwriting is more focused and accessible. Recalling both Broadcast and Laurie Anderson, it’s avant-pop but with the stress on pop. The earthy Marienbad, the vocal experiments of Four Gardens, the open structure of This Is Ekstasis are glimpses of the Los Angeles musician’s creative impatience and exquisite constructions. Don’t let it pass by unnoticed. Read the rest of this entry »