Laura Marling: I Speak Because I Can

Laura Marling
I Speak Because I Can
Astralwerks/EMI Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Still young and still strong!

Album Review:
I am sure we can go through tons of artists that peaked too early and never were able to catch up to their youthful success. Laura Marling could easily join that lengthy list after her 18 year old Mercury Prize nominated debut, Alas I Cannot Swim [2008] took critics by storm and really set her up now for the sophomore slump on I Speak Because I Can. Good news is, that the now 20 year old proves nothing was a fluke the first time out because Marling sounds even more confident and focused throughout these ten new solid tracks. It is a culmination of several components that make Marling an irresistible listen. One of these is the standout of Laura's folk strumming, which provides the perfect backdrop for her passionate and siren like vocals. She has a great ability to convey her message on both rock songs like "Rambling Man" or when she brings it down to a whisper on "Hope Is In The Air". Of course the music is backed up by lyrics well beyond her years, that tackle the realities of love, despair and even death. If her debut didn't already cover it, I Speak Because I Can will close the door on any naysayers about Marling's talent, as this record just oozes talent and once again should have critics hailing her name!

Key Tracks: "Rambling Man", "Darkness Descends", "Made By Maid"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Beth Orton
Martha Wainwright
Basia Bulat

Laura Marling: Alas I Cannnot Swim [Fire Note Review 10/9/08]

Official Laura Marling Website
Laura Marling MySpace
Laura Marling Facebook
Astralwerks Records

-Reviewed by Reece Michael