Concert Review: Marika Hackman Finds Human Friends At Elsewhere
When I reviewed Any Human Friend, I noted how it felt like an expansion of Marika Hackman’s sound, soul, and style. If in her previous music she was a young woman trying to discover her self sexually and spiritually, Any Human Friend was her way of saying “I have been found,” which is so rock n’ roll: an affront to anyone that believes they can or should tell you who you are. Thus, it was no surprise that her Elsewhere show felt a little more defiant and …. loud.
I always hesitate to call an artist “loud” or raucous because, for some reason, these terms are always taken badly. Yet, sometimes, you have to raise your “volume,” or rather presence, when others around you feel bent on not listening. From “I’m Not Where You Are” to “Hand Solo,” Marika added nuance to being ignored by playing to a very true statement about self-discovery; it is great that you are building yourself but most people will not care or notice. Self-discovery is not only a insular process; it can also be an insular celebration.
Hackman has a way of annunciating her verses and playing her songs with depth and clarity to make them feel reinvented when live. She exemplified the coy people that are actually filled with noise; their outer quietness foolishly confused for being quiet/numb inside. Hence, her performance style is like a cotillion for the shy eager have their thoughtfulness displayed and celebrated. This made the show feel more rock n’ roll and open to movements, while also solidifying that Hackman’s new songs were her way of saying that you grow for you, but you share your journey for love.
Is love a necessity? I do not know. I like to think it is luxurious want that when satisfied is a virtuous honor, but I am still unsure if it is a human need. Perhaps, it is a human need for those wanting to be humane like, Marika Hackman. Yet, that only furthers my/her point: you grow for you and the hope of life is to find someone willing to see you grow: hence, love. Thus, her gentile voice bounced from her guitar melodies like pebbles skidding across rivers: two natures clashing and eventually ceasing into each other so as to amp up beauty and embody connection. For More Information On Marika Hackman Click Here.
