Marika Christine has been steadily making headway in the Bay Area Indie Folk scene since her album Puzzle World was released in 2021. She has been an easy choice for several Noise Pop shows (including this year's Bender's Happy Hour on Feb. 28th), and her sound fits well on female fronted bills, indie rock shows, or even with dreamy dance bands. The whimsey of Marika's songwriting along with acoustic guitar and piano-synth driven arrangements remind me of New Zealand songwriter Aldous Harding. 

To my ears, the songs on Soft Like an Apricot capture feminine songwriting without being explicitly girly. Marika's voice is soft (like an apricot), but her gifts as a musician suggest there is something tougher in the center. Rhythmically there are quite a few Easter eggs on this album too, which makes it a fun listen. For example, in the track 'Rational Reaction' there are faint jungle sounds, or perhaps beach shells, that softly punctuate the music at precise moments. The track 'Apricot' opens with a round robin of vocal ahhs and a whirly swirly flute. This is a supremely talented artist who is not only writing great music, but might actually be an important teacher of the language of women. This whole album plays like a sweet lullaby that comforts the way only a mother could... and is tough the way only Mom ever could be.

This album has several stand out songs, like 'Music and Heart,' a keen confession about being a grown-up but not quite. Sorrowful oohs and aahs sail over lighthearted music as Marika sings "It's hard to be young in San Francisco". No kidding sister! KQED caught wind of 'Buckle Up Baby', a jaunty Ben Folds-esque song that is reassuring and fun, while admitting that sometimes the road of life can be quite bumpy. There is a distinctive throw-back feel to much of this music, like maybe we really can wear flowers in our hair and relive the summer of love. Artists such as Marika Christine give me hope that a better vision of the world is more than just a fantasy. For more about Marika's development as a songwriter, the article from KQED is a quick and illuminating read. 

A strong young lady with beautiful ideals, I expect that Marika's solo show will be as captivating as watching the full band. The Bay Area music scene is lucky to have another artist I would place on par with Ellie Stokes, Christine McCann, Kate Ramsey and Tess Posner. Flawless production, sophisticated songwriting, and clear sense of self makes 'Soft Like an Apricot' excellent on every level. Highly recommended! 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️