Released on August 31st, Anna Calvi’s new album Hunter was highly anticipated in the alternative rock community. Calvi is an English singer-songwriter from Twickenham, England. She released her debut album Anna Calvi, in 2011 to critical acclaim and was even in the UK top 40 charts. Her previous album, One Breath was released in 2013 was very well received, showing a dark and mysterious tone that intrigued her audience. With much excitement, her newest album, Hunter, shifts this mood, while showcasing her impressive vocals even more. After five long years, she revealed an album that is powerful, endearing, and most importantly, very socially relevant.

In the era of identity politics, and social movements towards equality, Calvi does not shy away from the topics, but embraces them in her songs. Using heavy guitar and an intriguing ambiance, she challenges society in song titles such as “Don’t Beat the Girl Out of My Boy”, and “As a man” By discussing these topics in a forum such as music, she gives voice to many of the thoughts had by females in the industry and in the world. Bing a female, rock artist, is a rarity in this day and age, with most top 100 charts employing the likes of male rock artists, Calvi challenges this and puts out an album that rivals the likes of the top rock performers in the industry.

In the debut hit “Hunter” listeners are introduced to the song with a strong beat and strings that create the tranquil yet enticing mood. The lyrics to the song are not very extensive, yet the words she chooses to say are incredibly impactful. Speaking about how she was “opening the door wide” allowing for others to be in her life, but to her point, “nothing lasts.” While some may see this as depressing, it is empowering to women. It is teaching them that they don’t need to allow people to give them validation, but need to find it for themselves. Calvi’s vocal runs repeating the lyrics back emphasize this message. It is the transition from men being the hunters and women being the submissive, to a stronger message that women are hunters as well. While it isn’t expressed deliberately, the underlying theme rings true.

This album is one that allows for Calvi’s message to be heard and allows her to use the music to tell the narrative. While experiencing this, it still is a very enjoyable and the guitar follows her vocal runs exactly, matching the mood of each song, rather, each narrative she shares. The minimal lyrics give her audience a chance to interpret and apply her songs to their own experiences, their own lives. Her album strays from the typical alternative stories of heartbreak and male sensuality, and transforms it into an experience that challenges listeners own beliefs and experiences. It is what rock and roll was meant to do: to fight the status quo, combat the conformity, and create music anyone can listen to and enjoy.