There’s a delicate strength to Marika Hackman’s fifth LP, Big Sigh, an understated confidence building in the rising percussion and electronic beats. The UK multi-instrumentalist’s songwriting on the album carries the weight of struggling through a creative drought but lifts with an almost miraculous clarity and unexpected harsh analogies buried within the gorgeously hushed tones and patient pacing. Although the more electronic and pop production of her earlier work takes a backseat, her feel for provocative pulses and emotional catharsis still drives across Big Sigh – though whether it’s ultimately a sigh of relief or resignation remains unclear. – Doug Freeman