Laura Marling – Patterns In Repeat

Intimacy can be tricky in music, as it by definition strips away the bells & whistles that bring extra life & variety. Yes, you feel up close with the artist, but it can also feel a little one-note, albeit a special note. Alt-folkster Laura Marling is very intimate, and very sweet, on the relaxed, personal Patterns In Repeat.

This is an intimate record – not only is there a “Lullaby”, but it ends with an instrumental version of said goodnight song. Marling brings her wonderful harmonies, but plays them soft. Yet she also varies her outlook, from the wry sadness of “Your Girl” to the touching opener “Child of Mine” to the pure sweetness of “Lullaby”. Standout track is probably the storytelling of life “Caroline”, followed by the beautiful looking back “Looking Back”.

An album to listen to on a snowy winter evening cuddled up at home, Patterns In Repeat is for the intimate occasions.