Album Review: Matilda Mann – 'Roxwell'
Few debut albums arrive with the quiet confidence of Roxwell, the much-anticipated first full-length release from London’s rising star Matilda Mann.
Matilda Mann’s debut album Roxwell is a stunning showcase of her delicate folk-pop sensibilities, blending heartfelt storytelling with an effortlessly modern sound. Due out on 28th February via 7476, the album encapsulates her signature blend of folk intimacy and contemporary pop sensibilities. Having already turned heads with shimmering singles like Dazed & Confused and Meet Cute - the latter winning Best Pop/R&B/Soul Video - Newcomer at the UK Video Music Awards - Mann solidifies her place as a vital new voice in British music via this album.
Named after the street where she grew up, it’s a deeply personal record, tracing a journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Through witty, heartfelt storytelling, the album’s 14 tracks paint a vivid picture of her experiences, drawing from her formative years writing and performing in her West London home. Early on within the tracklist, Say It Back sets the tone with reflective lyricism and delicate instrumentation, while Meet Cute, already a fan favourite, sparkles with playful, cinematic storytelling. Elsewhere, Tell Me That I’m Wrong leans into her folk influences, delivering an intimate and confessional moment.
Another standout is Just Because, co-produced by Jonah Summerfield, which balances jazz-inflected chords with honeyed vocals. The track perfectly captures Mann’s emotional nuance, as she reflects in the lyrics: “Just because someone thinks it’s love doesn’t mean it was.” Written over an extended period, it exemplifies her patience and attention to detail, and across the album, Roxwell seamlessly shifts between sonic textures. Dazed & Confused exudes a sleek, dreamlike quality, while April Showers carries a nostalgic warmth, and Home Again strips everything back to pure folk storytelling, reinforcing Mann’s ability to capture emotion in its rawest form.
Speaking about the album ahead of its release, Mann shared: “This is my debut album. Every song feels like a part of me, and I’m so, so excited that it’s finally coming out. It explores various types of love, the experience of growing up and reflecting on the past, the struggle of not being able to give someone your all, getting stuck in the past, and accepting what you can’t change.” Expanding further, she added: “It’s everything I want to say and more. Some songs were written almost subconsciously and only came to light when I needed to truly acknowledge my feelings. It’s terrifying to put it out into the world, but I’m also incredibly proud of it and grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life.”
Beyond the album itself, Mann’s trajectory continues to soar. Fresh off a sold-out Alexandra Palace support slot for Wallows, she’s gearing up for a 15-date UK and European tour, culminating in a sold-out London show at Koko. Festival appearances - including a slot at Glastonbury’s Park Stage - have further cemented her reputation as a must-see live act. Already recognised as a rising star, Mann has earned acclaim from critics and fans alike, with a live history as impressive as her recorded work, including sold-out headline shows at venues like Jazz Cafe, Lafayette, and EartH, alongside sharing stages with Arlo Parks, Laufey, and Beabadoobee. Her ability to captivate audiences both in the studio and on stage has undeniably made her one of the most exciting voices of her generation.
Following the announcement of her upcoming tour, Mann’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Kicking off in Dublin on 20th April, the tour includes stops in Brighton, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, and Bristol, before culminating at London’s Koko. The European leg will see her performing in Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Berlin, and Cologne. With Roxwell, Matilda Mann has crafted an album that is deeply personal and reflective, and there’s no doubt that this will resonate with fans who hear it in a live setting. Each track tells a story, seamlessly weaving together folk intimacy and pop accessibility. Exploring love in its myriad forms - romantic, platonic, nostalgic - while delving into themes of self-growth and acceptance, Roxwell is both a celebration of where Mann has been, and a signpost for where she is headed next.
Words by Gemma Cockrell
