Of late there have been plenty of young songwriters to hit the streets with an acoustic guitar, a handful of self-penned tunes and a ion for their music, but none more likely to make a decent fist of it than Laura Marling. She sings with a softness and ease that’s free of the fatigue one tends to diminish the work of many of her contemporaries. Her heartfelt melodies float high above the generic rabble and she sings with a lyrical maturity that belies the fact that this girl is still in her teens. Apparently she’s even had to busk on the pavement, much to the joy of her growing legion of fans, after being refused entry to her own gig for being underage.

My Manic & I is a four song EP that takes a lead from the great folk troubadours of yesteryear and brings the music up to date with modern stories of love and disillusionment in the big city. "New Romantic" is a beautiful opener and highlights just how good a sweet vocal and simple acoustic guitar can sound. "Night Terror" adds wistful strings to the drama of the night and the lively title track showcases Marling’s skill as a storyteller. Guitar makes way for piano on the equally poignant "Typical" but sadly after no time at all the music’s over and you’re left wanting for more. Still, there almost certainly will be, and one gets the feeling it’s only going to get better.