Laura Marling, Boy & Bear @The Zoo (20/01/2010)

Sat 23rd Jan, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Kicking off proceedings are Sydney newcomers Boy & Bear. Their indie folk tunes provide the perfect appetiser for tonight’s main course, and as the attendees climb up the venue’s unique interior steps they are treated to a taste of one of Australia’s great young bands. Front-man Dave Hosking leads the way with his exuberant character and strong vocals, complimented perfectly by his band-mates vocal harmonies. Culminating with Triple J favourite Mexican Mavis, Boy & Bear have given the crowd a complete performance yet left them wanting more.

Beginning with upbeat track Devil’s Spoke off upcoming record I Speak Because I Can, Laura Marling immediately had the crowds’ full attention and did not lose it for the entire hour of her set. Joined onstage by Boy & Bear’s Tim Hart and Jake Tarasenko, as well as Marcus Mumford (of Mumford and Sons) on percussion and backing vocals, Marling played the instantly recognisable first note of her biggest hit to date, Ghosts, raising cheers and applause which soon turned into enjoyment and awe as she introduced the Brisbane fans to new songs Rambling Man and I Speak Because I Can.

As the backing band walked off, leaving Marling alone onstage with only her guitar, the anticipated solo bracket of the set began. Recent single Goodbye England (Covered in Snow) received a warm welcome from the crowd, as did new song Made By Maid but the highlight of tonight’s set was Failure from 2008’s Alas I Cannot Swim. Holding the audience’s complete attention, Marling added even more soul to the emotional track, filling The Zoo with her unique voice before innocently forgetting the lyrics halfway through. She quickly remembered and after discussing the heat of the venue and Mumford’s sunburn the entire band returned to the stage and broke into a powerful rendition of My Manic And I. This was followed by Night Terror , after which Marling announced that the next two songs would be her last and there would be no encore this evening.

New track Alpha Shallows continues with the night’s vibe before the she sings the first line of crowd favourite Alas I Cannot Swim. The majority of the crowd sang along for the first half of the song, stopping for small applause, after which Mumford and Marling broke into the fast paced second half, bringing the performance to a close.

Laura Marling tonight proved that she is mature beyond her years yet still retains a sense of child-like innocence. Based on new material performed this evening, I Speak Because I Can will be one of 2010’s best records. If you don’t already have a ticket to one of her Sydney Festival shows, beg borrow or steal. Make sure you are there because you are truly in for a treat.