Marika Hackman – We Slept at Last
Reviewed By: Nicci Tait
Rating: 8.5/10
The music of Marika Hackman could be described as a gradual, peaceful descent into oblivion. Her paralytic blend of sound is reminiscent of being held submerged within a dark pool, or finding oneself treading circles through an endless forest. Her debut full length album transports listeners to another world, allowing them to even forget their own for the duration of the album.
We Slept at Last is comprised of a similar foundation charm as her earlier EPs. Marika’s voice transforms into a more ethereal presence, making her growth as an artist remarkably apparent. Each track is a unique journey for the listener in which one could close their eyes and see a very different scenario as the album runs its course. Initially, the album gives the feeling of being held underwater, as the first track “Drown” implies, although it is not completely melancholy.
As her debut studio album, better production is to be expected, especially when working with the likes of Charlie Andrew, producer for Alt-J. This production work allows for the ebb and flow between the melody and background to possess a greater depth than ever before. Though Marika is defined as a folk artist, her sound differs from other contemporary artists of the genre. Marika dwells in an entirely different, fantastical realm.
RIYL: Warpaint, Daughter, Cat Power
FCC: Clean
Favorite Tracks: 1, 7, 3, 5
