New album Short Movie out next week, Laura Marling concentrated on her new songs during Wednesday afternoon’s Radio Day Stage set at the Convention Center. That didn’t faze the large assembly gathered to see the Los Angeles-via-England songcatcher one iota.
Five discs under her belt in the seven years she’s been active, Marling covers a lot of territory style-wise. Here, a reliance on electric guitar gave her British folk a punk edge, particularly given her use of odd tunings and heavy reverb, plus a backing trio of guitar, bass, and drums.
Introduced by Jason Bentley of Southern California’s KCRW, Marling began with two of songs from the new disc that have been prioritized for radio and stand out for the way they point away from her previous work. “False Hope” plies pop hooks and “I Feel Your Love” echoes Chrissie Hynde. She delved into 2013’s Once I Was An Eagle for the almost rap of “Master Hunter.”
Closing on “Short Movie,” she rang her guitar with an attitude that belies her pixie-ish appearance. Nominated for a variety of UK music awards, including three times for the Mercury Prize, even at 30 minutes, Marling proved she’s likely on her way to a similar situation here in the U.S.
Complete SXSW Music coverage at austinchronicle.com/sxsw/music
This article appears in March 13 • 2015.