Marika HackmanI'm Not Your Man
AMF / Caroline / Universal

- It’s all too easy to link genre and gender, and folk music is usually attributed to women who sing about their feelings – but only metaphorically of course, and about their love for a man. UK indie-folk artist Marika Hackman however, does not quite fit in that box, instead fusing her indie-folk sound with the rock tones of London based rock quartet The Big Moon and the angry thoughts of a liberated woman fed up with the expectations of society.

I’m Not Your Man is a bit gutsier than her debut LP We Slept At Last, veering away from indie-folk into something rockier. The record touches on some meatier topics than her first album, talking bluntly about sexuality and love, rather than smothering her lyrics with sickly sweet metaphors, as folk music so often does. The unashamed venture into honesty opens up a realm of realness that makes the record feel really relatable – kind of like you’re listening to your uber-cool friend's advice rather than the radio.

Opening track and lead single Boyfriend opens with a carefree laugh, immediately setting a light-hearted tone but with a deliberate, cutting edge. Groovy guitar riffs and a driving bass line strike out underneath the dreamy, sarcastic timbre of Hackman’s vocals, which drag over the melody in a measured manner. The lyrics are unapologetic and bitingly ironic, with phrases such as “I held his girl in my hands / She likes it ‘cause they’re softer than a man’s” subtly giving the finger to jerks in a covert and feminine way. Not all tracks on the record are bra-burning bangers though, with some softer numbers like Cigarette and Apple Tree showcasing the folky vibes that her first record made her known for. Finger picked guitar and simplistic melodies provide a stark contrast to the majority of the album and refresh the aural palette.

At times you might be fooled into thinking Hackman's a little repetitive, at least upon first listen; it can take a few spins to really get what she has to say, but when you do, oh boy does she say it loud and clear. I’m Not Your Man successfully avoids the sophomore album slump, and instead delivers an unrepentant selection of tunes that are a pretty as they are powerful.

- Olivia Shoesmith.

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