THE AUDIENCE CAN’T HELP BUT STARE, MESMERIZED
Imagine headlining a world tour, while still needing a fake I.D. for a night out clubbing in New York.
For newly-turned 20-year-old Holly Låpsley Fletcher–who goes by her stage name, Låpsley–that’s a reality.
She played a sold-out show at the O2 in Shepherd’s Bush, London, on 19 October for a large, chilled-out crowd. As per usual her vocals were strong and resonated well (literally), and a captivating light display shone bright on the young songstress.
A native of Southport, England, Låpsley’s relatively thick accent shone through as she told the audience how she waxed her legs “especially” for the show, then ended up wearing jeans, part of her modest banter between tracks.
Her vocals resemble Adele’s. Soulful, deep, and slightly raspy, Låpsley completely captivates the audience, going through the tracks of her debut album, Long Way Home. A three-piece band, introduced during the set, provides backing instrumentals — as does Låpsley herself. Using two microphones, one a distortion of the lower register, Låpsley is able to sort-of duet with herself. These intricate, thought-out musical manipulations further draw the audience in. Her meaningful lyrics, especially in songs like “Cliff” and “Hurt Me,” add yet another dimension to the already meaningful tunes. The head-nod-inducing beats that back the vocals make the songs less sad and more upbeat, a perfect, chill balance between sentimental and sing-along, outright dancing tunes.