Marika Hackman tackles nostalgia with new album False Dogs and single 33


Marika Hackman is diving headfirst into a new chapter with the release of her fifth studio album, False Dogs, anchored by the compelling single ’33. This latest collection isn’t just a body of work; it’s an honest exploration of the beauty and the anxieties that often accompany the mid-thirties, capturing the unique experience of pushing through self-doubt toward a brighter future.

The album, set for release on February 19 via Chrysalis Records, is a masterclass in sound and vulnerability. Across the twelve tracks, Hackman demonstrates remarkable versatility, playing almost every instrument—from guitars and piano to drums, bass, mandolin, and synth. This rich sonic tapestry reflects a period of intense experimentation, crafted in her East London studio and refined during a ten-day creative stint at Ramsgate’s Big Jelly Studios.

The resulting sound subtly carries the atmosphere of the Kent coast, weaving a coastal backdrop that perfectly complements the album’s core themes of nostalgia, growing up, and the journey of seeking clarity.

In reflecting on the creation process, Hackman shared that this record feels like the first time she has fully inhabited her creative skin right up to its edges. It is a deeply personal statement about navigating life’s transitions.

The introductory single, ’33, acts as the perfect gateway into this world. It grapples with the dull ache of nostalgia, the apprehension of the future, and the necessary celebration of the moments in between, offering a powerful message: keep pushing, it’s worth it. The track beautifully explores the passage of time from seventeen into the thirties, enhanced by the inclusion of a children’s choir.

The full tracklist for False Dogs includes songs such as ‘Close To Me, ‘I’m Good, ‘Handsome, and the wistful closing track, ‘Crimson.

To celebrate this new work, Hackman is embarking on a major tour across the UK and Europe. The journey kicks off with a massive performance at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 26, followed by stops in Bristol, Glasgow, and Manchester in March. The European leg begins in Amsterdam on March 6, with dates continuing through Paris, Cologne, Berlin, and culminating in a final show in Stockholm on March 17.

Fans can secure tickets for this extensive run starting October 22 at 10am BST. This tour signals a vibrant commitment to sharing her evolving, emotionally resonant music with a wider audience.

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