It’s been one year since I discovered Toronto singer/songwriter Abigail Lapell’s cinematic album Anniversary. This record reminds me of summer, as it is the perfect soundtrack for the pool or road trip. Anniversary is a cross-genre album, and is retro-rounded and reflective, discussing different perspectives of love. The album creatively showcases Lapell’s sonic range, with mid-tempo tracks, coupled with softer ballads including “Stars” and “3 AM.” This album is a reminder that everything happens for a reason, and that in time, we can learn how to grow with a significant other, being there through rocky waters, and steady sunsets.
The album was released on May 10, 2024, and there have been many milestones for Lapell over this past year as a result. In our interview, she reflected, “A lot of the songs I was writing while me and my partner were on a journey trying to start a family and then in the last year since I released the album our son was born in the fall… It’s been a big year looking back. That’s what the album is about, looking back and looking forward at some of these milestones and the way that things change and also stay the same over time. Some of these songs have taken on a new meaning now when I am thinking about my partner and my family.”
This concept is reflected in the opening track, “Anniversary Song.” In the first verse Lapell sings, “Has it been a year or two? Will it be cotton or leather?” which, to me, represents the decisions you make with your significant other over time.
Another line that ties the album together is,“One more year frozen in amber for eternity,” which reflects on the passage of time and the memories created over the years.
A captivating quality of this record is its vintage sound similar to listening to a vinyl on a record player. I was intrigued to learn that Anniversary was recorded in a 200-year-old church located near Niagara on the Lake. Lapell collaborated with Tony Dekker, front man of the band Great Lake Swimmers, who found this location. Also it was Dekker’s first time producing for another artist other than his band. The recording process was unique as it was more improvised with the band playing together, rather than in a studio space where elements such as instrumentation and vocals are more isolated and controlled.
Lapell shares, “This was a lot more improvised. We were all in the room together playing live without any separation. It ended up being such a great experience stretching outside of my comfort zone a little bit.”
Lapell’s lyrics are like descriptive diary entries documenting her journey, memories, and experiences. One song being “Stars” which is a beautiful ballad written about a meteor shower. This song is also a favourite of mine because of the natural acoustics and reverb from the piano, which was already in the church. The vocals are soft and introspective.
I also love the haunting piano arrangement in “Footsteps” as it mimics the sound of someone slowly creeping up and down the stairs. The key of E-minor adds to this chilling intensity as minor keys are usually associated with mellow moods.
This album is 10/10 as there are songs for every moment, ups, downs challenging or tender. It is a reminder that love is not always easy, however, as a couple you will figure out how to become one unit.