AN ODE TO GIRLHOOD | MATILDA MANN’S DEBUT ALBUM ‘ROXWELL’
After a string of singles in the lead to its release, Matilda Mann’s debut album, Roxwell is finally here. As flowers bloom around us, and the grey finally clears, we can finally open and relish in Mann’s love letter to spring.
A totally well-rounded record. Every track pieces together a beautiful soundscape, where Mann’s honeyed vocals, alongside her folk storytelling, create a vibrant storybook to accompany our imagination whilst we experience her sound. This debut project balances vibrancy and excitement in tracks like ‘Dazed and Confused’, with mellow yet glittery tracks like ‘See You Later’.
The first track, ‘At The End Of The Day’, gently introduces and eases into the album with soft vocals and melodies. Acoustic guitar cradles us in the soundscape, settling us before we switch to upbeat drums and electric guitar in ‘Say It Back’, the second track:
Why don’t you want me like that?
Why don’t you want what we could have?
Why don’t you say it, say it back?
Mann has a knack for an undeniably catchy chorus throughout her discography. Her talent for simply yet beautifully capturing experiences shared universally throughout girlhood is wonderfully done.
Roxwell has Mann melodically guiding us through the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood. The album is named after the street of her childhood home, her tender and sentimental intentions are felt entirely throughout her musicality.
The first single to be shared on the album was ‘Dazed and Confused’. A glittery trance that captivated her listeners in the lead up to the release of Roxwell. Her first single release set the standard for the rest of the tracks on the lineup. Every track following has been as rousing and delightful as the rest before. A consistently beautiful project which is going to be a magnet performed on stage.
‘Meet Cute’ is an exciting track of anticipation. Capturing the serendipity in meeting lovers and having spontaneous affairs. The rich bassline underpins Mann’s repeating question with a rising tension: “Should we do this again?”
This album is a total exploration of love, the highs and lows. Mann captures excitement and youth in young relationships yet can still capture the aftermath of an all-consuming breakup with her track ‘Common Sense’. Poignant melodies, raw lyrics, and a cathartic breakdown at the end of the track. Sudden, tachycardic drums, yearning vocals and strings will muddle with your heart. Mann has the clear capability to capture a whole spectrum of emotion through her artistry.
The exit track ‘Girls’, is meditative and wistfully closes the listening experience to Roxwell. Incoming drums and a crescendo chorus complete Mann’s storybook. “We were girls first”, Mann summarises her raw reflection on girlhood and love.
Mann takes her debut album Roxwell to the stage for her 15 date UK and EU tour, starting in April this year. She’s one to watch, and this album is pining to be heard on stage.
Roxwell is out now.
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