Album Review: Hannah Wicklund - 'War On Women; Calling All Good Men'

One of our favorite singer/songwriter and guitar virtuoso Hannah Wicklund is back with her fourth studio release this week, War On Women; Calling All Good Men! The album kicks off with “War On Women” which features some dynamic acapella vocals from Wicklund, before moving into “Red Gorilla”. “Red Gorilla” is one of the singles on the album and Wicklund’s booming vocals tear the house down, especially when paired with her absolutely killer guitar work. Wicklund might be one of the most underrated guitarists in the scene today and we’re here to give her the flowers she’s earned! Wicklund’s solos are dynamic and pop off the record, but not in a way that leaves the rhythm behind. They are always well-paired with the other instrumentation on the record.

We also were big fans of “Evil is a Corporation”, where Wicklund’s vocals are both soulful and absolutely soaring. We really loved when she floats in and out of falsetto and spoilers, the guitar she lays down absolutely shreds (this is a theme throughout all of her work). “The Pier” was another favorite of ours where Wicklund slows things down a bit, with bluesy verses, before kicking in the door on the chorus.

“Diamonds” is another winner on the album, which features some acoustic work that really allows Wicklund’s thick vocals to shine. Wicklund’s vocals remind us of the warmth of a tube amp. They’re full and soulful in a way where you know she is bringing the full weight of her soul into her performance, frankly to achieve this vocalization across a live performance must be physically exhausting because she doesn’t phone in any of her vocals.

Thematically, Wicklund confronts issues of love, environmentalism, and patriarchy head on. On issues of patriarchy, Wicklund is quoted via press release saying: “I want it to be abundantly clear that I am not anti-men. These are not just women’s issues; they are society’s issues and finding a solution will involve all of us. It’s a hopeful song to go out on and serves as my olive branch to all the good men out there to use their power and their voices to not just create a safer world, but to make space for women and girls to truly shine”.

Wicklund again brings a winner with War On Women; Calling All Good Men. Frankly, there might not be a musician we can readily think of that brings it from a vocal and guitar standpoint. Her voice is unique and she moves effortlessly all over the register. Her solos are purposeful and pair perfectly with her melodies in a way that most guitarists just don’t do any more. This record has a bit of something for everyone, it rocks, she slows things down when needed, and she tangles with deep issues and topics in her songwriting with sincerity and clarity. This might be some of her best work yet.

Rating - 9/10