SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LAURA MARLING – SONG FOR OUR DAUGHTER

Laura Marling
Song For Our Daughter
Partisan Records

In an ocean of undistinguished voices, Laura Marling’s soothing, quiet vocals bob gently above the tide. Her latest album, Song for Our Daughter, is no exception as Marling pens songs to a daughter she doesn’t have.

Bright guitar opens the album with the track “Alexandra” asking, “What kind of woman gets to love you?” In classic Marling style, an enchanting story is turned–that of a girl living in the woods–and woven with Marling’s vocals that come in waves as she’s backed by a choir of angelic voices.

That same choir of voices is stitched throughout the album, celestial against Marling’s own falsetto and at times razor-sharp voice. Notable track “Strange Girl” opens with sultry bongos and the first trace of a more upbeat vibe, praising the actions of a young, wild, and strange girl. Adding tambourine and some light piano, this track is a must-hear.

Turning from here towards a darker melody and Jackson C. Frank-like guitar, Marling continues her message to a fictional daughter with emotion and soul.  She carries the weight of that song through to “Blow by Blow”, reminiscent of Joni Mitchell’s brilliant melodies, and title track “Song for Our Daughter”.

Closing out the album as gently as it began, “For You” introduces bluesy guitar and an almost Maritime-inspired feeling.  This album is a beautiful addition to Marling’s already glowing catalogue of music.

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