She may only be 18 but Laura Marling hit upon an interesting idea for the release of her debut album, Alas I can Swim. Why not offer a version that contained a free exclusive gig ticket, the cd and other goodies. Tonight's gig was the second London show to allow those in the south of the country redeem their free ticket, and on tonight's form I don't think she'll have much trouble selling tickets in the old fashioned way, even if her stage presence could do with a little work - she does seem to be staring intensely at a spot on the floor for most of her short set (surely not her lyrics?).
But what matters most is the music, and as she reels off the tunes form her debut album one by one, it is hard not to reach the conclusion that you are witnessing someone with a lot of talent and frightening potential. Whilst her voice may lack some variety of emotion perhaps that it may find in a few years, it is still quietly powerful. The likes of Adele and Duffy may be taking more of the headlines, and getting all the 'big thing of 2008' talk in the UK, but neither of their debut outings is as strong as Marlings.
Some able support was provided by Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit. Once again ridiculously young muti-instrumentalists playing some good old fashioned English Folk music.
Was less impressed by the other support turn. Did not catch his name, but his voice was not to my liking. In fact I thought it was joke voice for the first song. Probably just as well I don't recall his name.
But what matters most is the music, and as she reels off the tunes form her debut album one by one, it is hard not to reach the conclusion that you are witnessing someone with a lot of talent and frightening potential. Whilst her voice may lack some variety of emotion perhaps that it may find in a few years, it is still quietly powerful. The likes of Adele and Duffy may be taking more of the headlines, and getting all the 'big thing of 2008' talk in the UK, but neither of their debut outings is as strong as Marlings.
Some able support was provided by Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit. Once again ridiculously young muti-instrumentalists playing some good old fashioned English Folk music.
Was less impressed by the other support turn. Did not catch his name, but his voice was not to my liking. In fact I thought it was joke voice for the first song. Probably just as well I don't recall his name.
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