Once I Was an Eagle
Once I Was an Eagle begins as though one thought naturally calls up the next. Laura Marling lets the first four songs flow together and keeps her guitar moving throughout. The voice can sound calm, but these songs are often restless and critical. A failed relationship is examined without placing every fault neatly on the other person.
Take The Night Off gradually draws you into that setting. On I Was An Eagle, You Know and Breathe, melodies and rhythms stay connected. Guitar maintains a continuous tension, with percussion occasionally moving forward more firmly. Cohesion matters more than a separate chorus.
Master Hunter introduces a fiercer, almost blues-like attitude. The delivery becomes harder and the backing gives it more drive. Marling sounds certain, but that confidence does not remain intact throughout the album. Gentler pieces instead make room for doubt and self-examination.
On Little Love Caster, the guitar figures have an almost classical character. A small change in melody or backing can suddenly brighten the quiet singing. Undine chooses a darker, fingerpicked blues colour. These differences keep the small setting from producing the same feeling repeatedly.
The long running time remains a barrier. Sixteen songs with so much attention to internal conflict ask for more than a passing listen. Less immediate passages sometimes need time to reveal their direction. Marling nevertheless keeps the larger development convincing.
Closing track Saved These Words gives the earlier sharpness another meaning. There is room to move forward without easily resolving every conflict. Once I Was an Eagle fulfils its ambition through that emotional development and guitar playing that continually helps the songs progress. It is intense, patient and especially well constructed.
