Patterns in Repeat solidifies Laura Marling’s folk prowess

Marling’s 2020 record Songs for Our Daughter has now become a prophetic album as the English singer-songwriter documents her feelings as she emerges into motherhood.

Marling’s album was written with her daughter happily cooing in her bouncer and for Marling, it was “the first time in [her] life, [she] was able to gaze into another human’s eyes as [she] wrote.” Quite literally faced with a new focus in her life, Patterns in Repeat delves into what the future will now look like as well as meditating over other close relationships. Opener "Child of Mine" features the gentle coos of Marling’s daughter whilst Marling laughs on this candid recording. Full of appreciation and resolve, Marling becomes the font of wisdom for this new person. Singing of slow living, long nights and fast years, she will eventually have to let go bit by bit and let her daughter’s independence grow.

Beautiful ruminations continue on "Patterns". Marling’s skillful guitar picking is paired with cello and classical bass. Expanding into orchestral territory rounds out the track and engrosses you. Reminiscent of Orlando Week’s A Quickening which saw the Maccabees lead man grapple with fatherhood, Marling’s poetic lyrics become odes to her new child. She encapsulates a blooming motherhood and does not hide away from the challenges to come. "The Shadows" takes on a melancholic tone as the tale of push and pull between mother and daughter is explored.

Taking a step away from reflection, "Lullaby" is a simple track with one goal in mind; providing a sleep soundtrack for her baby. An anchor for the record, anxious thoughts are left to one side for a sweet moment. Marling’s story-telling features prominently on Patterns on Repeat. "Caroline" and "No One’s Gonna Love You Like I Can" chronicles the ups and downs of various relationships as the reflective tone expands beyond that of her newborn.

"Interlude (Time Passages)" captures the essence of the record in instrumental form. Beginning with an old organ, the track emulates how everything stays the same and changes simultaneously. The airy piccolo and the atmospheric strings come together weaving around one another. Marling’s albums have been capturing eras of her life, each a passage to a specific time. Despite the uncertainty of what is to come, Patterns in Repeat is so assured in its sound. Marling is the captain of her own ship, off on another adventure with one more crew member on board.