“Mammoth” : Flora Hibberd affine son folk délicat, parfois un peu trop poli

Flora Hibberd, the English singer-songwriter known for her delicate folk style, has returned with her sophomore album Mammoth, released on October 16, 2026. Building upon the warm acoustic tones of her 2025 debut Swirl, this new record ventures into richer and denser sonic territory, incorporating modular synths, brass instruments, and muted guitars to craft a more intricate soundscape.

Produced by Ben Lanz, whose credits include collaborations with Beirut and The National, Mammoth presents ten tracks that balance meticulous arrangement with emotional depth. The album’s production weaves a precise yet organic texture, offering a refined listening experience that underscores Hibberd’s evolving artistry.

Mammoth draws on themes that evoke a living prehistoric past, blending ghostly reminiscences with contemporary undercurrents. The album's atmosphere is shaped by layered instrumentals and nuanced vocal interplay, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. This duality is evident in songs like “Ache,” which features guest vocals from Sufjan Stevens, and “Deltaplane,” performed alongside Kate Stables and Lonny. These collaborations highlight contrasting moods within the album, oscillating between subtle electric tension and more open, airy passages.

Additional contributions from musicians such as Stew Crookes on pedal steel and J.E. Sunde on harmonies enrich the album’s sound, adding depth to Hibberd’s distinctive blend of folk and experimental elements. These layered textures contribute to what can be described as a theatrical assembly of sonic characters and spectral echoes.

Despite the album’s impressive craftsmanship, some critics note that Mammoth's polished precision may also limit its emotional impact. The controlled arrangements, while undeniably fine-tuned, occasionally restrain the raw expressiveness that could lend the songs greater immediacy and intensity. Observers have suggested that allowing more imperfections or spontaneous moments could enhance the music’s ability to resonate more viscerally.

Flora Hibberd’s songwriting continues to display thoughtful lyricism paired with delicate melodies, and her voice remains a central instrument that dialogues fluidly with the diverse instrumentation. The album’s careful construction reflects a clear artistic vision, though it sometimes veers toward an overly curated sound.

Mammoth was released under the 22Twenty/Redeye labels and marks an important step in Hibberd’s musical trajectory, demonstrating a willingness to experiment with new textures while maintaining her folk roots. The album will be supported by live performances at notable Paris venues, including the MaMA Music & Convention on October 16, 2026, and a show at La Gaîté Lyrique scheduled for April 27, 2027.

While details about the full creative process behind Mammoth remain limited, the record’s collaboration with respected artists and its sophisticated production signal Hibberd’s commitment to evolving her sound. As she navigates the balance between refinement and spontaneity, Mammoth stands as a testament to her capacity to merge tradition with innovation in contemporary folk music.