Don’t Get Sentimental

A couple weeks ago I wrote about the talented-beyond-her-years Laura Marling (above, right), but I probably should have written this post first.  Before Marling struck off on her own solo career, she sang back-up vocals for Noah and the Whale, a UK group that falls under the same nebulous Anti-Folk genre as Marling herself.

I found out about them after Marling, and initially only gave them a couple listens, then moved on.  Over the past week, however, I sat down and listened to their new album Peaceful The World Lays Me Down, and it’s really growing on me.  Their sound is equal parts easy-going folk and well-crafted pop, with songs that make you feel bubbly and happy without drenching you in saccharine.

Interesting fact from Wikipedia that lacks citation:

Apparently Noah and the Whale’s “name is a marriage of the title of one of the band’s favorite films, “The Squid and the Whale,” and the name of the director (Noah Baumbach).”  Sounds believable enough.  Thanks, Wikipedia!

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Noah and the Whale - 5 Years Time

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Every now and then you find a new artist that gets into your playlist and immediately supplants everything else, if only for a short period.  Several months ago, I discovered the music of Laura Marling, and for nearly two weeks, she was the only thing I listened to.  Obsessive?  Perhaps.  Warranted?  Absolutely.

The first time I heard Laura Marling’s name was in a Stereogum article about her collaboration with the Mystery Jets on “Young Love,” a pleasantly catchy little pop song.  Her part in the song is good, but I must admit that what really caught my eye was this New Yorker article billing Marling as the “Feist of 2008.”  True or not, I knew I’d be spending money soon.

At the time I could only find her EP, My Manic and I, but I instantly fell in love with those four songs, and several weeks later I found her full-length, Alas I Cannot Swim.

From the beginning, the most impressive thing about Laura is her voice.  It’s incredibly mature, especially considering that the LP came out only 3 days after she turned 18.  In the crowded field of “young girls with guitars” (or female singer-songwriter alt.country, if you want to get all snooty about it), she rises easily above the competition.  Her voice is full and powerful compared to the many breathy, vapory voices out there.

Having a rollicking good time

Adding to that maturity is her lyrical content.  In the age of Katy Perry’s and Pussycat Dolls, it’s refreshing to hear a young talented woman with a keen insight into life, and one who doesn’t rely on slutty lyrics or clothing to cover up a lack of talent.  I had to double check when I started listening because she sounds like she’s been at this for decades.

Laura is currently on tour in the UK, then heading to Australia.  Tell your friends and maybe we can convince her to come to the States.

Laura Marling - Ghosts

Laura Marling - You’re No God

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