Marika Hackman: Before I Sleep

Not enough can be said to convey my adoration for the voice of Marika Hackman. It carries a coldness that is warming in the same instance; solid and unwavering like a steel blade which Marika wields masterfully. Her sound being somewhat rooted in acoustic-folk, expands far beyond the limits of any genre you may place it in. Each track holds a hauntedness glinting with hope when held in the proper light – just as delicate as it is unshakeable. Her raw talent juxtaposed with the immaculate production skills of longtime collaborator Charlie Andrew make for a thoughtfully mixed cocktail of organic and manufactured sound. As the release date of her full-length debut looms in the near future, the faucet from which her album will flow has gradually began to drip drops of what will be. “Before I Sleep” is our latest taste.

A sole note drones at the threshold before Hackman coos and gently welcomes a finger-picked guitar. Her seemingly effortless delivery is quite captivating – as calm and collected as someone casually humming. The intimate tone expands into a vast landscape as horns swell and a rustling snare beats in tow with a thunderous bass drum. A view of medieval castles tucked away in foggy forests is conjured by the sonic ensemble as an eerie bell sounds from the tallest tower. Our wayward woman states: “Standing at the edge of your forest, I’m standing and the milky bed reminds me of the miles I have yet to tread…” before every element of the tune is forged into one and then gracefully dissipates.

We Slept At Last will see it’s release February 16th via Dirty Hit. Debuting alongside the work of Glen Erler – who contributed photographs for the album’s artwork – their efforts will accumulate to an exhibition in Camden, UK on February 18th.