October 9, 2012 13:43

Laura Marling unveils new material on US solo tour

Singer confirms new album will be released in February

Photo Gallery: Laura Marling
Photo: Sonia Melot

Laura Marling played new material from her forthcoming fourth album on Sunday (October 7) at a sold out show at LA's Hotel Cafe.

The gig was part of Marling's solo "Working Holiday Tour" of the US, which sees the singer-songwriter making her way across America without a band or tour manager taking in a number of cities not included on typical tour routes.

Speaking to NME before her show in Pioneertown, Marling said her fourth studio album, though still unnamed, is "finished" and heading for a February 2013 release. Marling's band will not appear on the record, which opens with a 20-minute medley.

It’s just me and [producer Ethan Johns] this time. I gave him the songs and he pretty much ran with it. I’m very lucky to have him.

The Brit Award-winning artist's hour-long set included more new material than old, with five new tracks, two from her last album, 'A Creature I Don’t Know', and one from her second album, 'I Speak Because I Can'. She also played a cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Kathy’s Song’. Scroll down to watch a video of her playing another new track, titled 'When Were You Happy?', at her October 5 show in Pioneertown, California.

Marling, never entirely comfortable with stage banter, simply thanked the crowd for their attendance. "Thank you. I wish I had more to say. I’m having quite an adventure on this tour, but it all leaves me on stage. I’m a laugh a minute off stage, I swear," she joked.

Laura Marling’s "Working Holiday" concludes at the end of October. She has no UK dates currently scheduled but will resume touring after the release of her album.

Laura Marling played:

4 song medley
'Kathy’s Song' (Simon & Garfunkel cover)
'Master Hunter'
'Sophia'
'Salinas'
'Little Love'
'Once'
'Rambling Man'
'I Leave You These Words'

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