Renowned singer-songwriter Marika Hackman has returned with her fourth studio album, “Big Sigh,” a project she describes as her “hardest record” to date. Released on January 12th via Chrysalis Records, the album is a deep dive into melancholy, self-reflection, and the complexities of human emotions.
“Big Sigh” opens with “The Ground,” a spacey, minimal instrumental that effectively sets the tone for the album. This introduction leads us into Hackman’s world, a realm painted in shades of grey and echoes of past relationships. The lead single, “No Caffeine,” is a poignant exploration of coping with daily life’s mundanities and depressions without relying on external stimulants. It reflects a sense of acceptance of life’s monotonous routines.
The title track, “Big Sigh,” is a blend of mellow tones and sultry lyrics, revealing the album’s thematic core: the struggle and release of confronting inner demons. Hackman’s lyrics, “I’ve been good, I’ve been bad, I’ve been better,” are emblematic of this journey. The track transitions from a reflective mood to an optimistic rock ballad, embracing the spectrum of emotions she navigates through the album.
In songs like “The Yellow Mile,” Hackman reminisces about periods of happiness now passed, with the gentle strumming of a guitar complementing her whispery vocals. This song, along with others like “Hanging,” showcases Hackman’s ability to express the sense of isolation often felt in relationships. “Hanging” particularly stands out for its raw portrayal of the end of a relationship, characterized by a fusion of delicate melodies and a powerful climax of intense guitar and vocal work.
Throughout “Big Sigh,” Hackman employs a varied sonic palette. From grunge-infused guitar bursts to sparse, emotive piano pieces, the album captures the essence of feeling trapped and the liberation of breaking free. Notably, the instrumental track “The Lonely House” effectively conveys mood through piano alone.
Hackman’s latest single, “Hanging,” encapsulates the album’s theme of contrast — between loud and quiet, industrial and pastoral, innocence and adulthood. It’s a track that delves into the complexities of moving on from a challenging relationship, a theme that resonates throughout the album.
The record is a journey through Hackman’s introspection and artistic growth. The album is a testament to her evolution as a musician, exploring themes of sadness, stress, lust, and, ultimately, the relief that comes with emotional release. With “Big Sigh,” Hackman continues to cement her position as an enigmatic force in the music industry, offering listeners a deeply personal and sonically diverse experience.
Photo credit: Steve Gullick.
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