Laura Marling | courtesy of the artist
Hear Laura Marling slow burn on new single “Wild Fire,” see her at the TLA in May
Last November, UK singer/songwriter Laura Marling shared “Soothing”, the sensual lead single from her upcoming sixth album, Semper Femina. She continues that trend with “Wild Fire”, which sees Marling sounding more confident in voice and arrangement than ever before. Stream the track below.
Where “Soothing” hinges on its prominent bassline and spacious, clacking percussion, “Wild Fire” sees the acoustic guitar return to center stage. The track has an undeniable warmth to it that brings to mind songwriters of the 70s, especially during its hooks, where she soulfully stretches out the “me’s” and “free’s” at the ends of phrases. Similar to “Soothing”, gender and sexuality are prime topics of discussion, but “Wild Fire” doesn’t feel like a cut-and-dry protest song. Rather, it explores these themes more subtly through specific, personal experience, opting for an open dialogue with the listener over a definitive proclamation. Choosing not to engage in that dialogue would be their loss, but even still, they would be treated to one hell of a slow jam.
Semper Femina is out March 10 via More Alarming Records, Marling’s new label. If you want to catch her live, she’ll roll through Philly to play the TLA on May 19th. For more information, head over to XPN’s Concert Calendar.