The Grotto by Kristin Hersh (CD, Mar-2003, 4AD USA)

In 2003 Kristin Hersh released her latest solo manifestation, the Grotto. She took full control of the album by producing and writing all the tracks. This is not uncommon for her. She has been at the helm of many of her works. In the past she has seen good intentions bastardize her work with previous efforts. The Throwing Muses album Hunkpapa comes to mind as an example. Hersh also went back home so to speak and recorded the Grotto album on the British label 4AD (Fun Fact #2). The label signed her old band Throwing Muses back in 1984 making them the first American band singed by the UK’s leading alternative recording company.


The Grotto brings us a mature sound and style from Hersh. The album has as complete a sound as I have heard from Hersh, especially in her solo work. The biggest knock against her work is how uniform the sound is from start to finish on her albums. Too many of the tracks on Hips and Makers, Strings and Strange Angels blend together. If it were not for the track number changing in the display it would be hard to distinguish many songs from one and another. That being said, much of her music is very good. There is a mood to each of her albums and it is that mood that carries from one song to the next on her albums. It is as though she writes all of the songs for an album at the same time. Her songwriting shadows her emotional state as she pens the music. It can make for a trying experience if you are not sharing her feelings at the moment.

Much of Hersh s songwriting has a dark overtone to it. It is not downright depressing but it is far from feel good music. The Grotto is no exception. There are many shadowy songs of reflection on this album. They are calming in nature. Imagine the album as audible Valium instead of razorblades. I don t want to scare you off of this record but I don t want to paint you an inaccurate portrait either. The Grotto is slight, subtle and thoughtful. What it is not is bright and sunny. This is music to think with, to experience. The Grotto does not have songs you will hear at the karaoke bar.

Lyrically the songwriting is vividly deep. Hersh bares her personal wounds with many of her songs. She makes mention though not directly to some of her own mental health issues. The verse itself is well groomed and this keeps the songs themselves from tripping up. Nothing sounds poppy on the album but nothing is supposed to either. Hersh has grown. So has her music. If you can bear witness to some of her inner demons she will paint a canvas for you in your ears.


Personally I think the Grotto is Hersh s strongest solo work. It is extremely insightful and personal. This is a powerful and intimate album. It is well produced and the sounds on the album may surprise you. Hersh takes tidbits from her past and creates anew. The Grotto has hints of her past work but this is definitely a stronger, smarter and more mature Hersh.