Marika Christine shares a decade-spanning sounding debut album, "Soft Like An Apricot"
One of the most cohesive and decade-spanning sounding records we’ve experienced all year, Marika Christine has floored us with the fresh release of Soft Like An Apricot. Keep reading for our in-depth look into the complete record.
Instantly, Marika Christine enchants listeners with her debut full-length album, "Soft Like an Apricot," a musical journey that traverses a variety of musical landscapes, blending elements of indie rock with influences from Stereolab, Harry Nilsson, and beyond. Just released on May 26th, with a vinyl and cassette release by Ghost Mountain Records, Marika Christine's album promises a captivating and immersive experience for fans of the genre.
The album opens a window into Marika Christine's artistic expression, taking inspiration from both indie rock and Laurel Canyon folk traditions. The songs beautifully weave together to form a narrative centered around the end of a relationship and the subsequent journey of self-discovery and rebirth. With "Soft Like an Apricot," Marika embraces vulnerability and strength in equal measure, creating a dynamic and introspective collection of tracks.
Recorded primarily at John Vanderslice's renowned Tiny Telephone studio in Oakland, the album exudes a warmth and organic quality. The band's approach to recording is notable, capturing the essence of their performances by playing these songs live to tape. This approach adds a real timeless quality to the music, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in its rich tapestry.
Marika Christine is joined by a talented ensemble of musicians on "Soft Like an Apricot." Maria Donjacour on bass and vocals, Adam Wilson on synths, keyboards, and piano, Fabrizio Incerti on drums, percussion, and vocals, Edan Mor on saxophone, Janis Stuurman on trumpet, and Marika Christine herself on vocals, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and synthesizers. Together, they’ve created such an insane amount of diversity, we had to listen twice just to take it all in. Seriously, there’s some instrumental breakdowns presented that are downright hypnotizing.
From the delicate and introspective folk-tinged tracks to the more expansive and groove-driven rock numbers, "Soft Like an Apricot" maintains a consistent energy throughout. Marika’s emotive vocals and vivid lyricism add depth and resonance to each composition, drawing the listener further into her musical world.
For a debut album, newcomers to her music will quickly realize her immense amount of capabilities as a songwriter, vocalist, and musician. This record could have been released in the 60’s or 70’s and reached critical acclaim, but it’s being shared in 2023, and we think that same acclaim is within reach. So please, do yourselves a favor and check out those links below to listen, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for all major updates.
Listen to Soft Like An Apricot
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