In 2022, Aubrey Haddard’s vision is guided by a framework of mythology. On the New York-based singer-songwriter’s second full length release, Awake And Talking, Haddard’s concept takes shape from the album’s opening bars, the explosive, avant-pop catharsis of “Just A Wall'' sung from the longing perspective of the Greek prophet Orpheus, a legendary musician and poet. “Now that you’ve gone and shattered the glass,” she sings within a bassy pulse, before boldly asking: “Whose arms do you run to?”

It’s a statement that contains multitudes, but more singularly, one that carries the weight and struggle of disillusionment, a common tone that permeates throughout Awake And Talking. Pandemic aside, Haddard has spent the 2020’s struggling with existential burdens, deciphering her relationship to music, life and love as the world explodes around her. On her newest release, her complex relationship with her art is ever-present and on full display; the dense, electric krautrock of “Future Boxes” and the scorching, plodding rock of “Processing Power” show a more aggressive approach to songwriting; the ‘90s brit-pop rock ballad “Someone’s Daughter” and the indie pop effervescence of “Green As