Picture the scene. It’s cold, raining and miserable on a drab November evening. You’ve returned from work and are in need of something to warm you up, enter Freya Riding’s self-titled debut album to keep you company. It’s a somewhat soulful 12-track album that will leave you feeling comforted, isolated and possibly a tad bored?
Alternating between pop beats and soul-wrenching ballads, Riding’s vocals swing from vulnerable to fun, to pain, to joy, to love, and back to vulnerable again. It’s really a wild roller coaster for your Friday night. Opening track ‘Poison’ sets the tone for the majority of the album with Riding’s vocals piercing through the piano, gradually building in intensity. Riding’s vocals are the standout of the album, it’s definitely not the backing music.
‘Ultraviolet’ and ‘Unconditional’ are more reflective and ethereal ballads – perhaps what suits Ridings voice best – but these are juxtaposed with songs such as ‘Castle’ and ‘Love is Real’, which offer much more of a pop and upbeat tempo. You know… to stop you from crying into your ice-cream all night long or falling asleep. The move between the two ain’t always the sweetest I’d say, and certainly not a smooth as carte d’or.
Whilst, not my cup of tea genre-wise, it is clear to hear the beauty of Ridings voice throughout. Some of her tracks could be considered dull and yeah, you certainly won’t be reaching for them if you’re looking to lighten the mood at a party or need to cheer yourself up but… if you’re looking to wallow in your own self-pity for a bit, or you’re a fan of Florence + the Machine or Adele then give it a go.
Haiku Review
At times more pop, but
Admittedly a bit dull.
Save for rainy night.
