Holding Out For The Kicks is the second album by Little Lapin and will be released on 16th July 2016. I’ve previously reviewed her first album Remember The Highs and was very impressed, in fact it was voted best International Album 2015 by Unsigned and Independent Music Magazine.
Holding Out For The Kicks is an excellent follow up. There’s a great vibe to this album, laid back grooves from solid drumming and bass are accompanied by some excellent guitar playing and Lucy’s superb voice really holds your attention. The album has a great natural and organic feel. A lot of the songs have a stripped back feel and the arrangements / production is spot on, each element gets its own space to grow and evolve resulting in a beautiful, captivating album which is edged with a sadness or longing at times.
Californian Sun
Strummed chords to open leading into a riff with a hint of surf guitar, bass and drumming provide a great momentum. Lucy’s vocals are excellent and there’s some nice harmonies too. The song has a great tension and a laid back groove.
Baby Blue
A great slow evolving opening with vocals and guitar, it has quite a haunting feel. Percussion builds gradually and sits low in the mix which works really well. The slide guitar (could be an e-bow) adds a brilliant element. A great arrangement.
Run! Run! Levina!
Strummed chords and riff to open accompanied by lovely vocals, the song has a more defined groove and kind of urgency to it. Quite a delicate sound.
Gratuity
Strummed chords to open, a really natural percussion and bass create a great laid back groove complimented really well by Lucy’s vocals.
Lovers Gate
Lovely riff to open accompanied by beautiful vocals. The bass and percussion are subtle with a great natural organic sound. There are some lovely harmonies too.
Holding Out For The Kicks
A sad sounding riff with bass to open, superb vocals again. The arrangement is excellent, subtle percussion and great guitar playing with an excellent release at the end of the song.
Birchanger Blues
More uptempo strummed chords and vocals to open, great passion in the vocals with some lovely harmonies. Bass and drumming enter to give a great momentum and groove.
Missing Mannequin Man
Nice combination of guitar and piano to open. Great laid back vocals. Another excellent arrangement, there’s a beauty and feeling of longing in the vocals.
You Light Me Up
Great strummed riff and simple bass pattern to open, excellent vocals again. I really like the changes between an acoustic to a more brooding feel.
Little Lapin is currently on tour, you can see her at the following dates / venues:
The Musicians Pub, Leicester – 14th July 2016
Snails Delicatessen, Cardiff (sold out) – 16th July 2016
Milton Keynes International Festival – 17th July 2016
The Stable, Falmouth – 28th July 2016
The Star Inn, St Just, Penzance – 30th July 2016
Gylly Beach Cafe, Falmouth – 31st July 2016
ParkLive Festival, Falmouth – 31st July 2016
Castle Inn, St Ives – 6th August 2016
Antenna Studios, London – 17th September 2016