Burn FM » Review: Laura Marling at the Symphony Hall.

Review: Laura Marling at the Symphony Hall.

Music

Laura Marling treated Birmingham to very special show at the Symphony hall last week. Following the release of her album A Creature I Don’t Know and her tour last year of the countries cathedrals Laura graced Birmingham yet again with another fantastic performance.

The venue although possibly un-conventional, turned out to be an inspired choice. Adding a much more relaxed feel to the gig and allowing the audience to further appreciate her voice alongside the talent of her band. The support acts introduced the show nicely especially Timber Timbre who commanded the attention of the audience well.

She opened the show with ‘I Was Just a Card’ and played a mixture of songs from over her three albums. The focus was however mainly on her latest record, whose songs when played alongside tracks from her older albums showed the progression between them. The tracks from A Creature I Don’t Know demonstrate a more country-esque direction compared with the softer folk of her first two records. She also played new song ‘I am Master Hunter’ which received a good reception from the audience. Overall, there was a definite sense of an artist whose is completely at ease in a live setting. Her ability to draw in the audience was particularly noticeable during the songs which she performed alone on stage. She remarked part way through her set that she was feeling ‘oddly calm’ which pretty much sums up the whole night.

Her particular shyness does not in any way prevent her from connection and interacting well with the audience either. When introducing her band we were amused by funny stories and anecdotes included the surprising details behind the acquisition of the double bass being used on stage. Indeed the good rapport between her and her band reflected the tranquil, friendly environment of the gig. Finishing with ‘Rambling Man’ and ‘I Speak Because I Can’ Laura’s set although fairly short was incredibly impressive and I look forward to hearing her new releases later this year.

 

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