Laura Marling (born 1st February 1990) is an indie folk star in the ascendance whose striking melodies and wise-beyond-her-years vocals could melt even the iciest of hearts, mixing the strength of Regina Spektor with the intelligence of Carole King and the acoustic lushness of Joni Mitchell. The 19-year-old small town girl - Eversley, United Kingdom just outside of Reading to be exact - sings about love, lust and romance, the futility of religion, self-loathing and human psychology. Each one of her songs is a mini-blast of prime poetry, gorgeous melody and sublime songwomanship.