Once I Was An Eagle is the recently released album by British folk songstress Laura Marling. At only, 23 this is her fourth album and a testament to the maturity of her music. Don’t expect to hear light pop songs above being in love when listening to this album. Instead, prepare yourself for a much more cynical view of romance, and a much more personal exploration of failed relationships.
Marling’s songs, although grounded in her folk roots – particularly in the incorporation of myth and religious motifs, are more polished than rustic, and are musically unlike anything on the scene now. They aren’t immediately catchy, rather taking a couple of plays of the album before as a listener you really appreciate the music. Looking back on her past albums its easy to the way she has been developing as an artist. Her previous album, A Creature I Cannot See, experimented with different styles and highlighted the darker and more ferocious turn her lyrics were taking, and that she has honed in this album.
This is one of the things I love about Laura Marling – she’s not a stagnant musician. There’s always a sense that each of her albums were something different than before, and that she’s really tried to push the boundaries in what she’s capable of. What’s more, as is the case with many artists, she knows the trick of less is more. Marling doesn’t gone in for over the top vocal gymnastics, rather showing a lot of restraint in her songs. She sticks to a lower register for much of this album, which did have me wishing for more of the sweeter, higher notes I know she can achieve. However, the lower tone did match the songs well with the husky and haunting nature of her voice. I also love that fierce growl she can bring in to really deliver a line with attitude and conviction.
What also sets Marling aside as a real musical artist is the way she has so clearly approached her album as an organic whole, and not just on a song by song basis. The album is structured well, and begins with a suite of stand out songs including the title track. Marling carries and develops themes across songs, particularly around predatory relationships and loneliness. Recurring motifs and imagery, such as bird and predator images (the eagle to the dove in I was an eagle, and, as the title goes, Master Hunter), help to bind these songs together.
I’m always intrigued to hear what a new Laura Marling album will sound like, and I’m keen to see where the future takes her – but for now I’m going to savour the sound of Once I Was An Eagle on repeat.
For a taste of the album check out this short film featuring a few of the songs.
spoonfulofink 