(August 2026) Episode 736 is GROUPER, the alias of Liz Harris. She makes soundscape recordings categorized as ambient or ‘psychedelic folk.’ She employs field recordings, tape, voice, and soft guitar and piano to create free-flowing atmospheric music unburdened by emotive assertions – meaning, that it doesn’t come off as trying to force the listener to be wistful or anxious or contemplative or spiritual. It just is. The echo-y, distant sound of the guitars and her voice sometimes remind me of some of Yo La Tengo’s songs featuring Georgia Hubley.
Favorite album: Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill
Favorite song: When We Fall
Compared to expectations: ↑
Recommendation: If you like genuinely earthy ambient (not the schlocky stuff) please try Grouper out.
Opus Project 