Wonderland

Released in late 2016, Wonderland serves as a bridge between Marika Hackman's darker, folk-leaning debut 'We Slept at Last' and the more assertive alt-pop of 'I'm Not Your Man.' While technically a Christmas EP, it functions as a cohesive atmospheric work that explores the sonic textures of winter. Hackman utilizes her characteristic vocal layering to create a sense of space and 'vocal architecture,' particularly on the traditional tracks like 'O Come O Come Emmanuel.' The production is notably sparse, favoring the natural decay of acoustic instruments and subtle, icy synthesizers. Critical reception, including from AllMusic, noted its ability to reclaim holiday music from commercialism, praising its 'ghostly' and 'arresting' beauty. It stands as a definitive example of 'winter folk,' prioritizing mood and environmental immersion over traditional song structures.