8/10

Over the last few years, we have rejoiced as Marika Hackman not only continues to impress so many with her beautiful arranged offerings, but seems to be ever-evolving as an artist as well, delivering something new and exciting with every release she produces. But now choosing to unveil a collection of nothing but covers, we see that their is something extremely homely about the direction she has taken this time around as she follows up last year's stunning 'Any Human Friend' with a rich and sweeping array of captivating renditions.

What is most notable about this new record is just how much it sounds like her debut 'We Slept At Last'. Obviously tapping into the songs that have inspired her over the year left a clear nostalgic mark on her sensibilities as she aims to recapture her earliest beginnings on this new release. Stripped back and humble at almost every turn, each of these covers have been completely transformed to fit Hackman's own irresistible direction, aiming for a more lo-fi and atmospheric full-length that seems less about the artists she is covering and more about rediscovering what first made her fall in love with music.

And while those intentions may sound self-indulgent, 'Covers' has such a distinct and succinct sound to it, it could very well have been the next Marika Hackman original LP and no-one would have been the wiser. It may come as a welcome break from the pressure of creating her own music but still cements her as a wonderfully inventive artist throughout.