Laura Marling

With each passing album, folk darling Laura Marling delivers a statement, an art piece produced with triumphant musical craftsmanship. Semper Femina, released this month, is no different. Its name – lifted from an epic verse by the poet Virgil – translates roughly to ‘always a woman’, and signals the 27 year old adopting a new voice within her songwriting. Tonight’s fully stripped-back nature serves to emphasise Marling’s ability to weave intricate tales and captivate an audience sans the bells and whistles.

Marling’s arrival on stage is gracefully unassuming, but heralded with fervent applause from the eager, packed-to-bursting room. Taking to the first of three acoustic guitars which she alternates from time to time, we are first treated to the Lou Reed reminiscent Wild Fire, then Nouel, both from the new LP, her subdued vocal cutting like crystal through the perfectly still air. There are even tears shed from a handful of attendees; the poignancy of this intimate experience is overbearing, even for less dedicated fans like myself.

Marling meanders through the old favourites, in a fan curated setlist. Salinas and Sophia from 2011’s A Creature I Don’t Know appear, as do multiple cuts from I Speak Because I Can, but the real pinnacle of the set is the 20 minute medley of the first four tracks from Once I Was An Eagle. Gazing around, not a soul present isn’t utterly entranced by the awe inspiring talent that is Laura Marling – a woman armed with a few tales and a few strings. After a soulful rendition of Rambling Man she exits as softly as she came, closing a truly magical night of intimacy and appreciation for this sensational talent.