86 July 2013 www.bahrainthismonth.com downtimemusic Laura Marling Once I Was An Eagle RATING: WHAT’S THE STORY? Twenty-three-year-old singer/songwriter Laura Marling returns with her latest release, Once I Was An Eagle. She broke through to the mainstream about the same time as the other guys on the nu-folk scene, but was always slightly different. While the likes of fellow bands, such as Noah and the Whale, and Mumford and Sons, have since moved on, she’s fine-tuned that wonderful modern folk sound and produced something excellent. WORTH A LISTEN? The record itself could be described as cathartic; Laura sings about a failed relationship and, as the album progresses, she finds the strength to move on from it. The first track, Take The Night Off, begins with a sombre yet beautiful acoustic guitar and an equally melancholic Marling. Her vocals create a sense of woeful resignation, and soon the texture increases as tom-toms are introduced, as is a piano. The Master Hunter single seems to show some country influence and is one of the more upbeat tracks on the album. However, an air of sadness is still present, as is a sense of anger and aggressiveness, reflected by her more intense strumming. Verdict: Laura Marling has set the bar even higher with this fantastic fourth album. Each track is brimming with raw emotion. TOP TRACKS: Master Hunter and You Know Gabrielle Aplin English Rain Twenty-year-old singer/songwriter Gabrielle Aplin has come a long way from covering You Me at Six and Paramore songs on YouTube. While her charming debut album, English Rain, is not revolutionary, that’s hardly a surprise. The British music scene has no shortage of young female acoustic singer/songwriters. However, the purity of her voice is the highlight of the album, especially on Ready to Question. Other noteworthy tracks include Don't Say You Love Me and Human. Saint Raymond Escapade EP Nottingham newcomer Saint Raymond comes onto the scene with his debut EP Escapade. Showing a vast amount of talent not just on the guitar but in his songwriting too. The artist produces something that is intelligent and refreshing. City and Colour The Hurry and The Harm The latest from Canadian singer/songwriter Dallas Green, aka City & Colour, sees him becoming somewhat of a ‘band leader’.The Hurry and The Harm reinforces the notion that he made the right move going solo! ALBUM OF THE MONTH The Sound of Silence This month, we take a look at the best new releases from acoustic singer/songwriters.
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