• Artist: Freya Ridings

• Release Date: 31/05/19

• Genre: Singer-Songwriter

• Record Label: Good Soldier

• Tracks: 12

• Website: https://freyaridings.com

The highly anticipated self titled debut from soulful North London singer-songwriter Freya certainly doesn’t disappoint. Building on the success of a string of massive hit singles, Freya presents her reflective debut on the crest of an almost overwhelming wave of adulation and expectations. With an impressive live profile stretching across hundreds of gigs, there’s no denying that Freya is a serious artist, who has put in all the hard work and craft. Freya is also a BRIT School alum and all her training has put her in a great position to capitalise on her wonderful songwriting and vocals talents.

The stunning opener ‘Poison’ will convince even the hardened sceptic. Whether expressing herself in a whisper or a powerhouse vocal, her voice is wonderfully captivating, with a deep, emotional resonance. Drum embellishments add an intriguing new dimension to her piano-led sound. Her radio-ready pop hit ‘Castles’, also marks a departure from the lovelorn ballads, with its punchy, driving beat and irresistible chorus. ‘Holy Water’ similarly pushes towards a new direction, and finds her aspiring after the pop-soul energy of Hozier.

However, torch songs are Freya’s established forte and from ‘You Mean The World To Me’ to ‘Still Have You’, they’re included on the new album in force. ‘Blackout’ is a spectacular admission of her rawest vulnerabilities. Similarly, ‘Lost Without You’, delving into tear-jerking territory in a way that rivals the best of Adele, still achieves a perfect balance of poignancy and power, a full year since its original release.

The unstated, yet darkly captivating ‘Ultraviolet is a standout. It’s a quietly intense, haunting track that signals a mature turn for Freya, as she continues to define herself as an artist. It was the raw power of Freya’s live EPs that first attracted her loyal following, and while her debut album is lushly produced, the authenticity at the centre of her bedroom-penned songs remains at the heart of her appeal. Freya is a real, serious, long-term talent. Despite her natural inclination towards the melancholy, the triumph of her debut album is surely something to smile and be positive about.

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