Review by Colm O Neill
Bursting onto the scene three years ago with a highly accomplished debut album, 17 year old Laura Marling, from the off had set herself a degree of expectation not usually placed on such young shoulders. Her follow up, I Speak Because I Can, released a little over 3 weeks ago, has being picking up astounding reviews everywhere you look. The album, produced by Ethan Johns (The man behind the critical high points of both Kings of Leon and Ryan Adams’ respective careers, namely the bands first two album releases and similarly, the first two offerings from a newly solo Adams), again surprises with such world weary work coming from such a young artist.
After a polite salute to the audience, its with opening track of her sophomore effort that the evenings show begins. Devils Spoke is a rousing number that immediately showcases the quality of Ms Marlings’ voice, proving without a doubt that the haunting voice heard on her recorded output is far from a result of studio trickery. She is in possession of a voice that demands to be heard without resorting to preachy vocal cord warbling. Every note is perfectly pitched and delivered in a heartfelt manner that draws the listener in, as if being spoken to one on one.
Sticking closely to the albums running order for the first couple of songs, Hope in the Air and a powerful Rambling Man stake their claim before we get the nights first foray into debut LP, Alas, I Cannot Swim. Album highlight (and debut single to boot) Ghosts , draws a huge, giddy applause before the opening chord has faded out. The first crowd participation element of the night ensues.
After an as yet untitled new song, we are informed that Laura’s parents are in attendance. The obligatory collective cheer is made and were told we shall be treated to a cover song. Rather sweetly, a cover song that the elder Mr and Mrs Marling believed their beloved tweenage daughter to have written. As her fans tilt their heads and release an “Aww”, we’re interrupted and told the song is actually about heroin and a sharp version of The Needle and the Damage Done, Neil Young’s ode to friends lost through the drug is played out.
Despite justice being done to every song performed throughout the show, due to the wide range of instruments and musicians on stage, the lack of violin poses a problem when attempting Night Terror, the second half of the song comprised mainly of a growing violin crescendo. To tackle the problem Laura shows off her whistling skills, giving the song a more low key and intimate atmosphere.
As the night draws to a close, the finale is explained to us in detail before it takes place. She confesses there are two songs remaining, making up the set closer and the encore. Hidden track from debut album, namesake Alas, I Cannot Swim proves to be quite the crowd pleaser. Despite the lyrics not intended to be taken as a feel good sing along, the jaunty final lines of “Saying work more, earn more, live more, have more fun” are treated as such.
Band member introductions are made before final song, I Speak Because I Can. The album closer, a powerful song sung from the perspective of a housewife who has given her own life the backseat to cater for her husband, is one of the few moments of the night where we can see just how far Laura Marling can push her voice. Without breaking a sweat she effortlessly cracks the high notes that complete the song and again were drawn to the fact were watching a woman who seems to have unlimited possibilities in the industry. With records and performances of this calibre at only twenty years of age, you can’t help but feel excited as to how her career will pan out.