Description
Lapsley – Long Way Home – 150 Gram White Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please exclusive pressing.
Record of the Month for March, 2016.
Comes with a printed inner sleeve, a full-color 24’x12′ fold out poster, original artwork, a cocktail recipe, and a download code.
Pressed on 150g white vinyl.
VMP Essentials
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Long Way Home is the debut studio album by British singer-songwriter Låpsley, released on March 4, 2016, via XL Recordings. Known for her distinctive blend of electronic pop and soulful, emotive vocals, Låpsley (born Holly Lapsley Fletcher) gained attention with her minimalist production and deeply introspective lyrics. ‘Long Way Home’ is a richly atmospheric album that merges electronic elements with her unique vocal delivery, often characterized by deep, downtempo beats and sparse arrangements. The album’s themes revolve around love, loss, longing, and personal growth.
Låpsley first gained attention in 2014 with the release of her debut EP ‘Understudy’, which featured the breakout track ‘Station’. Her unique sound, blending electronic minimalism with emotional depth, quickly caught the attention of music critics and audiences. By the time she was working on ‘Long Way Home’, Låpsley was already being heralded as one of the most exciting new voices in the electronic music scene.
The album was largely written and produced by Låpsley herself, with contributions from producers like Rodaidh McDonald (known for his work with The xx and Sampha). The album captures Låpsley’s introspective, melancholy style while incorporating elements of electronic, pop, and soul.
Long Way Home offers a deeply personal and introspective journey, with tracks that blend electronic beats and lush, atmospheric production with Låpsley’s haunting, emotive vocals.
‘Heartless’ – The opening track, ‘Heartless’ is a downtempo, emotive song that showcases Låpsley’s distinctive vocal manipulation, where she uses pitch-shifting to create a conversation between her own deep and high-pitched voices. The song’s minimalist production and haunting lyrics set the introspective tone for the album.
‘Hurt Me’ – One of the standout tracks on the album, ‘Hurt Me’ is a powerful breakup anthem with Låpsley’s emotionally charged vocals at the forefront. The song’s lyrics deal with vulnerability and resilience, while the slow build of the instrumentation gives it a cathartic feel. The track received widespread praise and became one of her most popular songs.
‘Station’ – A re-recorded version of the track that originally appeared on her debut EP, ‘Station’ is a minimalist, atmospheric song that features Låpsley’s signature vocal manipulation. The haunting, echoed production and the emotionally raw lyrics about unrequited love give the song a melancholic, reflective quality.
‘Falling Short’ – Another emotionally driven track, ‘Falling Short’ is about feeling inadequate in a relationship. The song’s sparse production, driven by piano and electronic beats, allows Låpsley’s voice to take center stage, giving it an intimate, confessional feel.
‘Cliff’ – This song showcases Låpsley’s ability to blend electronic production with orchestral elements, creating a cinematic atmosphere. The song’s themes of uncertainty and emotional distance are enhanced by the lush arrangement.
‘Operator (He Doesn’t Call Me)’ – A surprise departure from the album’s more introspective tone, ‘Operator’ has a retro, disco-infused sound, driven by upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies. The song is about waiting for a call from a lover, and its playful vibe contrasts with the rest of the album’s more melancholic feel.
‘Love Is Blind’ – A track that explores the complexities of love and emotional conflict, ‘Love Is Blind’ is another example of Låpsley’s minimalist production style. Her understated vocals and the song’s atmospheric layers create a sense of quiet intensity.
‘Painter (Valentine)’ – A soft, gentle ballad that features delicate piano and Låpsley’s whispery vocals, ‘Painter (Valentine)’ is one of the most tender moments on the album. The song’s lyrics reflect themes of love and longing.
‘Seven Months’ – This track is more experimental, with sparse electronic beats and eerie, atmospheric production. Låpsley’s voice is front and center, delivering lyrics about emotional distance and waiting for a relationship to heal.
‘Silverlake’ – The closing track, ‘Silverlake’ wraps up the album with a spacious, atmospheric feel. The song’s production is minimal, allowing the weight of the lyrics about disillusionment and closure to take the spotlight.
Long Way Home is a deeply personal and introspective album that explores themes of love, heartbreak, emotional distance, and self-discovery. The lyrics often reflect on vulnerability and the complexities of relationships, with Låpsley’s voice acting as the emotional core of the album. The use of vocal manipulation, particularly her pitch-shifting technique, adds a unique layer to the storytelling, creating a sense of duality and internal dialogue.
Musically, the album combines electronic minimalism with elements of pop, soul, and downtempo, creating an ethereal, atmospheric soundscape. Låpsley’s production style is characterized by its sparse arrangements, often using just a few key instruments to create a sense of space and emotional depth. Her ability to blend raw, heartfelt emotion with electronic beats sets her apart as an artist capable of crafting both intimate and expansive soundscapes.
Long Way Home received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised Låpsley’s mature songwriting and unique sound. Critics highlighted her ability to convey deep emotion through minimalist production, and her use of vocal manipulation was often cited as one of the album’s most distinctive features. The album charted in the UK Albums Chart, peaking at No. 32, and also performed well in other countries.
Tracks like ‘Hurt Me’ and ‘Station’ became some of Låpsley’s most well-known songs, solidifying her presence in the electronic and indie music scenes. ‘Long Way Home’ positioned her as one of the most promising young talents in British electronic music at the time.
Long Way Home remains a defining moment in Låpsley’s career, showcasing her ability to blend electronic and emotional elements in a way that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level. The album helped establish her as an important voice in the evolving electronic pop landscape, with its atmospheric production and introspective lyricism setting the stage for future projects.
For fans of minimalistic, emotionally-driven electronic music, ‘Long Way Home’ is a standout album that combines heartache, vulnerability, and sonic experimentation in a cohesive, captivating way.
Track Listing
Heartless
Hurt Me
Falling Short
Cliff
Operator (He Doesn’t Call Me)
Painter
Tell Me The Truth
Station
Love Is Blind
Silverlake
Leap
Seven Months
