Live: Låpsley @ Heaven

by | Apr 4, 2016

Holly Lapsley Fletcher, better known simply as Låpsley, is about to make bigger waves than she already has if Wednesday’s Heaven show in London is anything to go by. The Southport, Merseyside native released her debut album Long Way Home just a few weeks ago and was announced this week to be gracing one of the many Glastonbury Festival stages this summer.

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Her blend of electronica, soulful vocals, vocoder-pitch-shifted harmonies and strong song-writing demonstrate that she has a unique style that has a place amongst the plethora of new electronic pop acts emerging on the scene.

Appearing on the venue’s high stage cloaked in shadows and back-lit by a zig-zag of neon lights, the 19-year-old appeared in front of two microphones, the purpose of both demonstrated later on in the set.

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Kicking off with non-album track Burn, a light synth intro layered with gentle vocals followed-up with a slow heavy beat, Fletcher eased the London crowd into her set as bright lights lit her up. Dressed in a long black dress, her sombre and cool gothic look seemed a perfect fit for the underground venue, a stiffness immediately broken as she addressed her audience for the first time with: “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I ain’t shaved my legs!” in her strong Scouse accent, a laugh rippling across the crowd.

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Long Way Home songs Cliff and Falling Short followed, the spectral slow-funk vibe continuing. Last year’s Understudy EP track Dancing had an outing next, hauntingly sparse instrumentation and standout vocals continuing to set out her increasingly distinctive sound.

“Usually I wear quite risqué dresses, but today I went with the safe option” she said, referencing the long black dress she had on and cutting through any conclusions that could have been drawn from it.

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Låpsley took up position behind a keyboard for Painter from her debut LP next, a clockwork music box sound adding a unique glint to the song.

Chill R&B-tinged Tell Me The Truth made sure everyone was fully aware of the reason for the two-mic setup, with the 19-year-old switching between the mic on her left and that on her right, which was routed through a vocal pitch-shifter, allowing her to perform a male-female duet with herself without any pre-recording.

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Disco tune Operator featured a recorded retro vocal harmony harking back to 1950’s American radio commercials and a rather upbeat tone given the song’s downbeat lyrics. “It’s like I’ve got a broken trust” she sings.

“So this next song is the first song I finished for my album” Låpsley said, introducing Station to cheers from a, by now, enraptured crowd. Back to the slower pace the set began with, extensive use of tone shifting and a loop-station allowed for live vocal layering, making for a mesmerising performance of an otherwise minimalist tune.

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Disappearing quickly following a couple more from Long Way Home, Fletcher reappeared on the former Adelphi Arches wine-cellar stage for a short encore of Kate Bush classic This Woman’s Work, which she recently recorded for International Women’s Day, and Long Way Home single Hurt Me.

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

Låpsley (Kalpesh Patel)

With the tone of her chat in direct contrast to her music, it’s difficult not to make the Adele comparisons. But if anything, her down-to-earth Merseyside accent and frank talk humanises her and puts her audience at ease.

Låpsley hits the European road for a few dates next before taking the stage at the double-weekender Coachella Festival in Indio, California. US and Canada stops follow before her European summer festival dates including Belgium’s Rock Werchter, Latitude and Glastonbury. She’s back in London in October for a headline show at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Live review of Låpsley @ Heaven by Kalpesh Patel on 30th March 2016.

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000G41ddtMiHSA” g_name=”LA-psley” f_show_caption=”t” f_show_slidenum=”t” img_title=”iptch” pho_credit=”iptc” f_link=”t” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”t” f_fullscreen=”t” f_smooth=”t” f_up=”t” f_show_watermark=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_mtrx=”t” fsvis=”f” width=”640″ height=”480″ f_constrain=”t” bgcolor=”FFFFFFF” btype=”new” bcolor=”#FFFFFF” crop=”f” twoup=”t” trans=”sweep” tbs=”4000″ f_ap=”t” bgtrans=”f” linkdest=”c” f_topbar=”f” f_bbar=”f” f_bbarbig=”” target=”_self” ]

Kalpesh has more music photography up on his flickr stream here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/somethingforkate

The Royston Club (Sam Crowston)

The Royston Club Announce New Album ‘Songs For The Spine’ And Biggest Tour Yet Ciematic

After the Top 20 success of their debut album, The Royston Club are pushing into bold new territory with the announcement of their second full-length record, Songs For The Spine, due out 8th August. Alongside the album reveal comes the emotionally charged new single Glued To The Bed, premiered by Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music, and news of their biggest UK headline tour to date—culminating in a major London show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Lissie (Madison Speer)

Rockshot Favourite Lissie Returns With Tender New EP Promises, Sharing Heartfelt Cover Of ‘I’ll Stand By You’

A long-time favourite here at Rockshot Magazine, American singer-songwriter Lissie makes a welcome return with her...
Skerryvore (Press)

Skerryvore Unveil Uplifting New Single ‘The Sea That Sings’ Ahead of Biggest Show Yet At Floors Castle

Scottish folk-rock trailblazers Skerryvore are celebrating 20 years of music, memories, and massive live moments with...
Will Linley (Press)

Will Linley Channels Heartache Into Euphoria On New Single ‘Cinematic’

South African-born artist Will Linley is keeping his foot on the gas. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has returned with his brand-new single Cinematic via Island Records—a sweeping, emotional anthem that perfectly captures the push-pull between heartbreak and hope. Known for his self-coined “sad-pop” style, Linley once again proves his ability to transform personal pain into songs that make you want to dance through the tears.

House of Protection (Anthony Tran)

House Of Protection Drop Electrifying New EP ‘Outrun You All’ & Announce UK Tour Dates

One of the most thrilling new forces in heavy music, House Of Protection have released their sophomore EP Outrun You All via Red Bull Records—a genre-hopping, high-octane project that confirms the duo’s position as one of 2024’s most fearless acts. Known for fusing atmospheric trip-hop, art punk, underground electronic, and hardcore chaos, the band wastes no time diving deep into their expansive musical world on this blistering seven-track release.

Jawbone (Rob Blackham / Blackham Images)

Jawbone Reignite Their Signature Sound With ‘Jawbone II’ — A Soulful, Live-Wire Triumph Of Folk, Rock & Psychedelia

It’s been a long time coming, but some things are worth the wait. Acclaimed British roots-rock band Jawbone have released their long-anticipated second album, Jawbone II, out now via 5dB Records (also home to anaiis, Ashaine White, and MOULD). Arriving seven years after their 2018 debut, Jawbone II reintroduces the quartet with the full force of their signature blend: timeless songwriting, masterful musicianship, and a rare kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

The Zipheads Kickstart A Rock ‘N’ Roll Renaissance In London

There’s two types of people in this world: those who’ve experienced The Zipheads live, and those who are missing out....
Reneé Rapp (Zora Sicher)

Reneé Rapp Enters Her Villain Era with Explosive New Single ‘Leave Me Alone’ and Announces Sophomore Album ‘Bite Me’

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp has officially kicked off a brand-new chapter with the release of her blistering new single, Leave Me Alone—out today via Interscope Records—alongside the announcement of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Bite Me, arriving on 1st August.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing