Grouper's Liz Harris Revives Trio Helen After Decade-Plus Hiatus, Shares Two New Songs from 'Linda's Head'
Portland musician Liz Harris, best known for her ambient-folk project Grouper, has revived her dormant trio side project Helen after more than a decade of inactivity. The band has shared two new songs from an upcoming album titled Linda's Head, with a sound that Stereogum describes as continuing Helen's signature gauzy indie pop — a notable departure from Grouper's ambient textures.
What was announced
Helen features Harris on vocals and guitar alongside two other members, and its sound leans toward more structured indie pop rather than the hazy ambient folk Harris is known for under the Grouper name. The two newly released songs mark the project's first activity in over ten years.
What we know so far
- Album: Linda's Head, by Helen
- New songs: two tracks released now, streaming online
- Release date: not yet announced
- Label: not yet announced
Beyond the two songs now available to stream, no further details on the album's release date or label have been made public.
Why it matters
Grouper has built a cult following in independent music circles for its layered echo and vocal textures, making Harris one of ambient folk's most closely watched artists. Helen's return signals that she continues to work across multiple distinct creative lanes beyond Grouper.
What hasn't been announced yet
The full release date and label for Linda's Head remain unconfirmed.