The last time Laura Marling played in London, it was at Citadel festival, backed by a full band. Tonight’s venue - a 200-cap church on the edge of Denmark Street, Soho - is a rare, intimate affair; one attended mostly by people who won tickets having donated to the War Child charity.
With most singer’s it would be a compromise that there’s no backing band turned up, but with Laura Marling it’s another story. There are few artists we’d rather hear the nuanced inflections in their voice, and dexterous guitar playing of - without any outside mood being weaved in - than Marling.
Gospel-tinged number ‘Wild Fire’, taken from latest album Semper Femina, is the opener and seems more ambitious, technically, than most material in her set – and is probably played first to get it out of the way. A unique, playful vocal hook pumps through the heart of it. And this level of invention in her pop is the work of someone who obsessively hones their craft; ill-content to release anything except utterly inspired stuff.
A common thread throughout all her material played tonight – whether more broad familial themes, or personal tales of emotional breakdowns – is the conviction with which her stories are delivered. Few artists have the ability to help you live through them as well as Marling does. When she’s hurting, you’re hurting. When she’s elated, or exhilarated you go there with her.
The transcendence reaches a peak on ‘Rambling Man’ as we get goosebump’s for this classic that’s permeated the national consciousness. Its stanzas are surely something aspiring writers will reference for decades to come.
With time for only one more after over an hour of playing the gripping narrative she’s drawn is about to pop, and the crowd don’t want it to end. When the Marling bubble finally bursts, everyone’s left reeling and fulfilled. A smile back affirms confidence from both parties. There’s no room for scrutiny; this was perfection.
Laura Marling played:
Wild Fire
The Valley
Next Time
Tap At My Window
Nouel
Take the Night Off
I Was An Eagle
You Know
Breathe
My Friends
Rambling Man
How Can I
What He Wrote
Goodbye England (Covered In Snow)
Daisy
