Recording information: Eastcote Studios; Eastcote Studios, London, England; Eden Studios; Eden Studios, London, England; Kore Studios; Kore Studios, London, England.
From the first strains of the mysterious, galloping folk-thumper, "Ghosts," to the aching, string-laden lament of "Tap at my Window," there is something so authentic and sui generis about Laura Marling's debut album, that emphemeral attributes like her youth (18 years old at the time of the recording) and acclaim (Mercury Prize finalist) fall away, leaving nothing but a bright, burning ember of an album--an instant classic heralding a unique songwriting talent.
Marling sings in a weary and conspiratorial whisper over muted guitars and dramatic but tastefully arranged strings and percussion. The acoustic set combines the autumnal textures of lo-fi poets like Beirut and Neutral Milk Hotel with the solidly melodic approach of classic Brit-folks like Richard Thompson, tied together by an assured voice that never reaches too hard, although occasionally bursts into a bluesy wail. It is a late-night album that casts a long shadow the morning after.
Professional Reviews
Spin (p.112) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Marling's voice, rich and tenuous, recalls Joni Mitchell, but her fatalistic screeds -- sung over acoustic guitar, with an occasional burst of percussion or strings -- owe more to Nick Drake and Will Oldham."
Clash (magazine) (p.68) - Ranked #11 in Clash's "The 40 Best Albums of 2008"
The Word (magazine) (p.106) - "Marling's folk constructions are as naked as those of Joan Baez or early Joni Mitchell, and her singing is pacy and urgent -- colourful, confident and distinctly un-waiflike."
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Reviews
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"Alas I Cannot Swim" is the debut album from one of Britain's most exciting new talents.
Twelve diverse tracks showcase Marling's versatile vocals and show little fear of leaving them exposed, while gentle acoustic guitar is the album's mainstay and folky string arrangements add new dimensions as songs develop. Released as a single, opening track "Ghosts" has already given listeners a taste of a confident record.
It's hard to believe that Laura Marling is a new artist who's just 18 years old - her voice is fresh and full of youthful vigour, yet it sounds as if it's been there for decades.
The Berkshire teenager is an untarnished musical treasure, and this is a debut informed by pop's past and fuelled by the nu folk present.
She composes startlingly mature lyrics reflecting on mortality - both "You're No God" and "My Manic And I" are stunningly simple explorations of the human condition, sung with crystal clarity yet warmly engaging.
The album is the culmination of what has been a prolific year of songwriting and creative maturity for Laura, from her debut EP, `"The London Town EP", released through Way Out West, to recent EP "My Manic & I", which saw her compared to a range of iconic female artists: Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny, Kate Bush and PJ Harvey.
Warm folk arrangements of guitar, trumpets and brushed drums compliment songs that are beautifully measured, quirky but not overly so, smart but accessible - and all nodding towards a love of life with all its eccentricities.
Highlights are "Ghosts", "Night Terror", "Your Only Doll (Dora)" and the magnificent "Failure", a track that takes in everything from the futility of organised religion to fading fame. It's a lovely, special album.
With all the right influences not being worn on her musical sleeve, Laura Marling already sounds like the finished article.
Laura Marling is a genius. This is one of her earlier albums. if you like a fine frenzy or sarah blasko, then this CD is for you. with marling's Purifying vocals in every song and the light rhythms and light guitar strings, this is a magnificent album. Some of my favorite tracks on this album are: 'Ghosts' and "you're not good". I recommend this but i enjoy her more recent album 'I speak because i can'
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