Album Review: Sarah Walk – 'Another Me'
In an act of defiance and call to arms against the patriarchy, LA based singer-songwriter Sarah Walk shares her glorious sophomore album ‘Another Me’.
‘Another Me’ has a very clear message. As Sarah explains: “A lot of things had been untapped in my writing until now, many of which deal with burdens that I’ve carried or felt responsible for, which I believe has a lot to do with being a woman and queer.” In tackling these challenges, the record takes a stand for (queer) women across the world, giving them a voice by being unapologetically vocal. Whether its marginalisation, misogyny or vulnerability, Sarah addresses it all. But though lyrically strong and powerful, ‘Another Me’ is surprisingly gentle. To soft soundscapes of soothing folk melodies and delicate piano lines, Sarah’s voice shines like a beacon of light, drawing attention to her razor-sharp lyricism - “Nothing’s hurt me more than men that grew up with no consequences, why is it my job to fix this mess?” she sings on opening track ‘Unravel’, speaking for everyone who has ever encountered male privilege. “You’re always ready to defend, you hear my concern as anger, an no-one wants an angry woman”
Sonically, the record alternates between shimmering pop sounds infused with fuzzy synths - like ‘The Key’ that thrills with a magnetic edge - and intricate percussive arrangements set in a more stripped back atmosphere. ‘Same Road’ and ‘Crazy Still’ are two of ‘Another Me’s standout moments. Wrapped into her immersive brand of sound, Sarah moves to tears as she puts love into context. But where ‘Same Road’ is hopeful and reassuring with soaring melodies and sparkling vocals, ‘Crazy Still’ is its exact opposite. Defeat and sorrow run through restrained piano lines as beautifully emotive harmonies pave the way to the end – “part of me understands it and part of me feels abandoned. I was crazy to love you; I must be crazy still.”
In its entirety, ‘Another Me’ is an impressive follow up to Sarah’s debut ‘Little Black Book’, incorporating its distinctive piano-led sound and taking it to the next level with little nods to a more pop infused universe. But most importantly, it opens up conversations and sees Sarah take back her narrative: “This is an album about being marginalised, being a woman, learning how to set boundaries without apology and being confident without feeling guilty for it. Learning how to love wholly without expectation.”
Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven