Following her immense sophomore, Marika Hackman’s Shepherd’s Bush take down was an elegant feat.

Embracing a bolder and brighter approach, Marika Hackman flourishes on her second album, Not Your Man, dipping an influx of Britpop with grungy edges and a tangible sense of humour. This new sense of empowerment blooms as Hackman takes on O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, delivering a triumphal set.

Opening with Good Intentions, as one do, the candid staccato of the melody stands in beautiful contrast to her fluid vocals. The bittersweet soundscape sweeps through the room. A perfect gateway for the tongue in cheek melancholy of Marika Hackman’s sonics.

Following up with savvy My Lover Cindy the bouncy melody ricochets from the walls. The searing moodiness and tangy feel build up the duality of the tune, equally soaring and yet, manifesting a tangible weight. The juxtapose seeps through the rest of the set, colouring even the simplicity of Hackman’s earlier work with a sparkling live hue.

Bearing in mind the fate of Shakespeare’s beloved, Ophelia’s brooding solitude and simmering sound are far more enchanting. The capturing nature of Hackman’s vocals, and her humble narrative comes across as wonderfully charming, making everyone fall in love with the singer as she approaches her crowd.

Drawing from a full emotional spectre, Hackman plays on every heartstring as she shifts from ballsy and funny, to sinister and sorrowful throughout the set. The diverse emotive aspect is all still well wrapped in Hackman’s now refined style. As she seems to have broken though her own boundaries with her second album, the set soars with creative innovation as well as candid allure.

The lyrics are strikingly real, as Marika sings: “And she’ll be at your house, with my tears in her mouth, And she’s so good to me”, it’s hauntingly beautiful.

Time’s Been Reckless daring bass and gritty texture comes with an in-your-face attitude, a kicking contrast to the swaying subtlety of the following Cinnamon. The 2013 Sugar Blind EP classic, may seem miles away from the material Marika is most currently known for, and yet it still possesses the inevitable energy of independence.

Lead single Boyfriend shines with a sassy quality. The cheeky lyrics and rattling energy build for the perfect pre-encore tension. The haunting guitar work, almost mocking in its rickety elegance, combined with the eloquent lyrics and knowing smiles, all makes for a perfect power tune.

“Gonna be a little sad now, cause we’ve had such a great time. And I can’t stand being too happy for too long”, Marika announces as she takes on Cigarette. Gracing the stage alone, her encompassing person grips the whole room with an all-consuming melancholy.

Re-joined by her eminent band, Marika Hackman rounds off with Blahblahblah. Balancing the distinct aspects of her sound all to the end, Hackman masters the perfect motion of funny and gripping. The bittersweet dream-set manifest her live talent. To put it in her own words: “What a night”.

Photos: Aurora Henni Krogh