In ‘Mother Of Pearl’, Freya Ridings introduces us to a variety of characters: she’s fiery and fearless in ‘Euphoria’, searching for a glimmer of light amidst the darkness of healing in ‘Dancing In The Kitchen’ and fragile in her contemplation of grief in ‘Mother of Pearl’. Her distinct vocals are able to carry so much emotional weight, whether through the powerful belt she uses in her songs of survival or the delicate, light-as-air quality her voice takes on in the more vulnerable moments. The album encapsulates a spectrum of womanhood that, despite being so rooted in Ridings’ own experiences, feels achingly familiar. An incredibly powerful listen. LT

Out now on BMG