Review: Låpsley - ‘Through Water’

LÅPSLEY
THROUGH WATER

Låpsley’s sophomore album perfectly juxtaposes melancholic themes with bright, hopeful electronica. ‘Through Water’ is an incredible accomplishment by the Liverpudlian songwriter.

★★★★★

At the end of 2019, Lapsley reintroduced herself to the world with an unexpected EP ‘These Elements’ which I called “an intimate electronica delight”. I ended my thoughts with yearnings for a new full body of work from the Liverpudlian songstress. It turns out I didn’t have to wait long. Mere months later, Lapsley’s incredible sophomore album ‘Through Water’ has arrived.

Just a slight glance at the striking album cover, and you have a clear picture of everything embodied inside the sleeve; a deep, dark endless abyss with Lapsley sinking below, yet seemingly reaching out towards you. ‘Through Water’ is an intimate account of Lapsley’s journey, masterfully intertwined with powerful global statements. As a great songwriter does, her lyrics paint a relatable picture which grabs and pulls you into her world. The title track, opener ‘Through Water’ pushes firmly outwards using the words of her Father (a water engineer) to set the scene of our world, slowly crumbling. Its release couldn’t have come at a more apt time.

The 10 track, 34-minute record, whilst brisk, is an enthralling listen which demands replayability. Lead single ‘Womxn’ with its celebratory synths bubbling alongside an earworm of a chorus simply bursts with pride. It’s discotheque, groovy rhythms feel like a spiritual successor to her debut records fellow standout ‘Operator’. Other highlights include ‘My Love Was Like The Rain’ and the utterly incredible ‘Ligne 3’. Whilst both may have found themselves flowing over into the album from the aforementioned EP. It’s a testament to the high standards of the tracks that they still feel fresh and invigorating.

Whilst being concise and thematic, none of the tracks feel repetitive or at risk of treading the same ground. It's evident early on that Lapsley is not afraid to take risks with each track. Whether that is slipping in a breathtaking, Bon Iver styled, almost Jazz in nature instrumental ‘Liverpool Leeds Canal’ or infusing her synths and lo-fi electronics with Latin reggaeton on ‘First’.

Despite its dark, sombre palette and aesthetics, the album itself has hope at its foundations. This shimmers through on ‘Our Love Is A Garden’, a bright ode to the label 4AD and its eighties peak of Cocteau Twins and The Mortal Coil. As well as on ‘Sadness is a Shade of Blue’ which perfectly balances that juxtaposition of bright melodies and haunting lyricism. In this case, Lapsley is reaching out and offering support to an old flame. One who is unable to cope with their mental struggles. Lapsley provides her backing vocals, pleading to him but with herself. The track, like the album, is masterfully produced. It’s that constantly changing, incredible production that keeps your ears attuned to your speaker. You’re constantly wondering which direction the waves of ‘Through Water’ will drift you towards next. 

The record concludes with the striped-back, ‘Speaking of the End’, a piano-led ballad that brings the album full circle. It pieces together all of ‘Through Waters’ elements. Combining the darkness and the loss of change with dreams of a fresh start, the hope of a new beginning. It's rare for an artist to be able to sharply portray their artistic vision in such a way that a listener can feel the emotion carved into every beat and lyric. Lapsley however, does this with ease. ‘Through Water’ is an incredible accomplishment.