Album Mini-review: Heather Trost — Agistri
File next to: Beach House, Françoise Hardy
There’s a cinematic sweep to the song cycle that is Heather Trost’s Agistri. Drawing from wildly diverse stylistic inspirations, this collection of eight Trost originals is at once more interesting and accessible than her work with Neutral Milk Hotel. A deeply reverberated ambiance that recalls Beach House serves as the album’s guiding touchstone, and the arrangements recall both French chanson and the kind of sixties pop that might show up in a European film of that era. Trost uses vintage keyboards to good effect, creating a soundscape that recalls the past without overtly seeking to recreate it. Often as not, her vocals are just one of many sonic elements in the mix. But what could end up an a clattering mess somehow works as a unified whole. As fine as Trost’s originals are, it’s her reading of Harry Nilsson’s “Me and My Arrow” that’s the standout track on Agistri.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.