Album Review: Laura Marling – Patterns in Repeat

Since her debut album Alas I Cannot Swim at only eighteen, Laura Marling has been shaping the current UK folk scene. Performing in groups and solo she has become a defining member of the nu-folk movement, combining more modern sounds with acoustic instruments and traditional vocals. With her eighth studio album Patterns in Repeat Marling explores her experiences of motherhood and ageing, reflecting on the patterns passed down through families.

The album focuses heavily on the themes of family, opening with the sounds of a family talking as if heard through a baby monitor. Giving the feeling of an intimate look into a family and setting a cosy and comforting tone. This opens the first song Child of Mine, a dreamy acoustic number that sounds almost Lullaby-like. The sweet lyrics are directed toward her child assure them “I’ve spoken to the angels to protect you”. While the song sounds sweet it also delves into anxieties of motherhood, as Marling reflects “I don’t want to miss it”, and hopes that she can enjoy the time as it passes.

Many of the other songs on the album also deal with themes of motherhood. Patterns was one of the first singles released for the album and is a hopeful guitar-backed track about watching your child grow up. The title of the album “patterns in repeat” features heavily in the lyrics as Marling sings about the years passing. Looking Back and Caroline both also deal with the passing of time. Looking back sees Marling use a quiet tremulous voice as she embodies an elderly woman looking back on her life. Caroline in turn reflects on a missed connection, with Marling wondering what if, while still remaing content with the way things turned out.

There are two instrumental tracks, the first Interlude (time passes) comes at the midpoint of the album and has a fast-paced almost frantic round. The rapid beat that undercuts the whole track is reminiscent of a ticking clock and leans into the idea of time ticking quickly by. The tune is light and whimsical, with a nostalgic edge. The other instrumental track is also the album’s final tune, Lullaby (instrumental) it accompanies a previous track titled Lullaby. It is a peaceful dreamy track that mixes orchestral instrumentation with an acoustic guitar that takes the place of the Vocals, creating a beautiful and whimsical track.

The final song is the titular Patterns in Repeat which feels much like a continuation of patterns. Marlings’s deep register vocals sound nostalgic and dreamy as she reflects on motherhood and the repetitive nature of life. The final bridge is a combination of many voices as they assure the object of the song that “nothing real was lost in the bringing of you to me”. It’s a peaceful song that deals with the contractions of missing freedom by still being happy and content with your life.

In Patterns in Repeat Laura Marling, creates an album with an overarching feeling of peace and comfort. There is a sense of nostalgia but also of joy in moving forward. The songs are dreamy, and hopeful with a soft acoustic sound. As her albums go this one has perhaps the most constant theme, with every song complementing the next pulling it together to be a beautiful and joyous album.

Eleanor Carr