Folky singers range from the wishy-washy to the inspired, but the name Laura Marling brings about a stronger reaction than most. Having collaborated with Charlie Fink from Noah and the Whale on her first album and subsequently had an album made about their break-up by him, ‘Alas, I cannot swim’ seems to have split the critics almost down the middle. Though I’m a fan, comparing new artists to her is still a bit risky, but in this case it’s unavoidable.
Raised in Illinois, her debut EP was put out by Fat Possum last month and, to be honest, it’s wonderful. It’s not only the arrangement of the songs that make it sound like Laura Marling, but the voice itself. Tender, with a hint of vunerability but backed with conviction, the songs are centred around it and with good reason. It soars, and though it comes as no surprise that she’s most comfortable with a ‘smoke between her fingers’ thanks to the slightest rasp that’s almost hidden.
Entitled “Why you runnin'”, her EP earned her a support slot with City and Colour (the solo project of Alexisonfire’s Dallas Green), and there’s been a daytritter session recorded too. Perhaps it’s music that you’ve got to be in a certain mood for, and it’s definitely not going to get you dancing, but there’s no denying the beauty in it, sounding like a folk based dream. Her debut longplayer is due next year and it’s definitely one to look forward to:
Lissie – Little Lovin’
Discovered her just now by chance –– and she’s just AWESOME! Have a look at her live cover of the Kid Cudi song “Pursuit of Happiness” on YT: it blew me away!
i also stumbled upon her by chance and she is one of my favorite artists!
Dude. I’m sure she’s been on BBC Breakfast before. Has TPP jumped the shark?!