Laura Marling: Alas I Cannot Swim Review

Laura Marling's 'Ghosts' is the best album opener I have heard in...too long. With a driving rhythm and undeniably catchy melody, to say that it draws you in and captures your interest is a severe understatement.

'Old Stone' is an instrumentally complex composition with introspective lyrics and climatic choruses that could move even the most hardened soul to tears.

'Tap At My Window' could have been recorded in 1972, with its classic Joni-inspired movement, whilst it also draws clear parallels with Martha Wainwright's debut.

'Failure' would not have been out of place on Court & Spark, which is probably why I love this album so much. It sounds utterly contemporary - as the real classics do - and yet simultaneously nods its head towards the work of the great singer songrwitetrs of the early 70s that I admire so much. Towards the song's end, the strings add depth to its contemporary flair and yet it then dips into the folky plucking that characterizes Jewel's work. Vocally, comparisons can certainly be made to Shea Seger, a wholly under appreicated artist whose sufferings will certainly not be endured by Laura.

The impression may be that this album does not sound original, when in fact it is one of the most powerfully unique and musically sound albums I have heard in years and should share the shelf with the likes of those it appears to pay homage to.

If there is one album by a 'new' artist that you are to buy this year, it should be this one.