Laura Marling is twenty three years old. Twenty three! In terms of productivity and prolific songwriting she’s up there with the likes of Ryan Adams or the likes of Woody Guthrie however while many over enthusiastic songwriters rush out records, Marling always seems to deliver and finely crafted, polished piece of art. ‘Once I Was An Eagle’ follows on in that fine tradition.
If you’re a fan of her previous work you’ll adore this record. It ticks all the boxes: quiet folksy intros? Check. Rousing crescendos? Check. Dylanesque poetic references? Check. ‘Once I Was An Eagle’ continues the natural progression of Laura’s work with its six syllable title and it’s clearly defined songwriting. Produced by Ethan Johns who’s more recently been working with the likes of Kings of Leon, there’s definitely a much grander feel to the record. Tracks like ‘Master Hunter’ transcend into virtual aural assaults, building, building, building and then leaving the wrought Miss Marling vulnerable and once again at her best when it’s just raw vocal and the simplest of guitar strums.
The album opens with a distinctly eastern feel. Older music fans may draw comparisons with the later works of Led Zeppelin or George Harrison’s influence on The Beatles however these tracks probably owe more to to the time spent with Mumford and Sons on the road in India and the tunes played with Dharohar Project. The remainder of the record is mostly sparse and yet beautiful. Despite her recent move to LA it’s still essentially a very British record; poetic, humble and honest.
Harking back to the days of more traditional folk balladry and turning her back on the scantily clad autotune driven pop scene she sings:
You want a woman who will call your name? It ain’t me, babe.
Much more Robert Zimmerman than Rihanna. Hopefully more young women out there will take a leaf out of the Marling songbook.