Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can, album review

Not just a mere progression from Alas, I Cannot Swim, Miss Marling’s new offering I Speak Because I Can boasts a slightly more frequent display of poignancy. With many production techniques being taken from boyfriend Marcus Mumford’s neck of the woods, Marling leads her more mature vocals through a far wider range of folk inspired meanderings. If the question ever loomed that this girl was a flash in the pan, then let this album answer that question abruptly. The album serenades you through a list of songs; some seen before on previous EPs – ‘Rambling Man’, ‘Blackberry Stone’, ‘Maid By Maid’ and ‘Alpha shallows’. All are far more upbeat and bordering on euphoric in this new recording, these are a wonderful set of new renditions, which were much needed.

However it’s been a while since Marling’s first offering of a record, and the lack of tracks here makes you question what’s taken her so long. Although all ten songs are superbly crafted efforts, it does beg the question that there may be more in Marling’s armoury in terms of prolific song writing. There are talks in the air of a third album before the turn of the year, and perhaps she is saving herself, not wanting to peak too early. The highlight of the album is undoubtedly the haunting and spine-tingling ‘Alpha Shallows’. This track, along with ‘Hope in the Air’ is serious business and the bastard twin of debut album’s ‘Night Terror’ and ‘The Captain and the Hourglass’. This long-awaited album needed these songs, as they bring the whole record beautifully to life with an intensity that is not to be seen on any other track here.

Although short, I Speak Because I Can is a mature and solid second effort from the reigning queen of folk. In fact, it could be said that she has succeeded in reinforcing that title for the 2010 year. There are obvious influences from close touring partners, but what would a 20 year old Marling be, if not easily influenced by peers? Despite perhaps not having the massive impact of her debut album, I Speak Because I Can may just be a case of giving us what we have become used to with Laura Marling, for this is a grand effort from a truly wonderfully talented young songwriter.

7/10