WORDS HARRY K
Stepping into the Albert Hall in Manchester on the evening of March 5th felt like entering a space perfectly tailored for Laura Marling’s unique blend of ethereal folk and delicate storytelling. Marling, no stranger to this iconic venue, once again proved that this match was made in heaven. Her performance filled the hall in a way that few artists can, creating an atmosphere so intimate and spellbinding that at times, you could almost hear a pin drop.
The night carried an added poignancy, as a pregnant Laura Marling emerged onto the stage, radiating grace and serenity. The minimalist lighting was a subtle, but fitting, choice that enhanced the reflective and melancholic mood of the evening. It wasn’t about the spectacle—it was about the music, the emotion, and the connection Marling effortlessly weaved between herself and her audience.
Marling opened with selections from her extensive back catalogue, including fan-favorites like “Nouel” and “Tap At My Window,” each song a masterclass in storytelling through melody. Accompanied mostly by her guitar, Marling’s stripped-back performance laid bare the raw vulnerability and honesty she has become known for. Her voice soared through the hall, resonating with both power and fragility.
Set two of the evening took on an even more immersive and haunting quality, with Laura Marling being accompanied by strings and a choir, elevating her delicate soundscapes for a section of the night dedicated to the album “Patterns In Repeat,” the layers of instrumentation enriched the atmosphere. Highlights included the tender “Child of Mine” and the heartfelt “Your Girl,” with the beautifully orchestrated “The Shadows” and “Caroline” leaving a lasting impact. The set closed with “Lullaby” and and “Patterns in Repeat,” completing a mesmerizing, cohesive musical journey.
The latter part of the show felt like the emotional crescendo, with a choir joining her for the stunning highlight “Once.” The harmonies were rich, and the sense of togetherness added another layer of depth to the performance. By the time she reached the final song, the heart-wrenching “For You,” it was hard not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and emotional gravity of the performance.
This gig was more than just a concert; it was a reflection of her growth as an artist and as a person, captured perfectly in this intimate setting. It’s likely to be ‘a little while’ before we see Laura Marling perform again, but whenever she returns, venues like the Albert Hall will always be the perfect home for her unparalleled talent. This was a gorgeous, poignant performance, steeped in vulnerability, charm, and raw emotion
SET LIST
Set 1 Solo
1/ Take the Night Off / I Was an Eagle / You Know / Breathe
2/ Tap at My Window
3/ Nouel
4/ Song For Our Daughter
5/ Fortune
6/ The End of the Affair
7/ Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)
Set 2 – Patterns In Repeat – With strings and choir
1/ Child of Mine
2/ Patterns
3/ Your Girl
4/ No One’s Gonna Love You Like I Can
5/ The Shadows
6/ Caroline
7/ Looking Back
8/ Lullaby
9/ Patterns in Repeat
Set 3
1/ What He Wrote
2/ Daisy
(With choir)
3/ Once
(With choir)
4/ Child of Mine
(With strings and choir)
5/ Lullaby
(With strings and choir)
6/ For You
FOLLOW LAURA MARLING
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
