Album Review: Låpsley - Long Way Home

7/10

It's difficult to believe that Holly Lapsley Fletcher (a.k.a. Låpsley) is only 19 years old. Her vocals convey a maturity far beyond her years. Her songwriting and abstract production intertwine to form majestic though sometimes numbing music.

Shimmering synths and thudding bass assist this young Brit in creating an experience both thrilling and somewhat lacklustre.

On her debut, listeners are treated to small glimpses of who Låpsley is. Her James Blake-esque crooning is complimented by her use of pitch altering software. Through out the album, she employs this gimmick to duet with a more mausculine form of her voice. This is particularly evident on the tracks Station, Tell Me The Truth and Silverlake.

Stand out track Operator (He Doesn't Call Me) depicts Låpsley in a more vulnerable light. Delivering her best Adele impression, Ms. Fletcher warbles along to the upbeat rhythm of an otherwise woeful song, lamenting the lack of attention she receives from a significant other. 

The LP explores the themes of heartbreak, angst and worthiness. Låpsley seems most optimistic on album highlight Love Is Blind, overcoming the struggles of self doubt to free herself from a malignant relationship.

Låpsley fails to display any genuine emotion on this electro-soul gem but showcases extreme promise. With more self assurance and less time invested in other artists' work, Ms. Fletcher could very well conquer her genre of choice and leave her stamp on the modern music world.

Alien-like, innovative and morose. A dazzling debut from an artist with huge potential.

***

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