The 28-year-old multi-instrumentalist has been a significant fixture of the music scene since 2016. With outstanding talents as a songwriter and performer, she has broken new ground with her material and has amassed a wide range of followers during that time.

We all have to take a leap of faith from time to time, and sometimes none bigger than when we initially allow our hearts to be taken in a relationship. The phrase ‘Can I Jump?’ here cleverly links to the concept of jumping from a plane in a skydive. With references to flying with the birds and carrying a parachute, Freya Ridings is giving a comparison to the fear and anxiety you may have before the big jump, and I suppose the level of risk associated with a skydive and a relationship that may not go the way you want it to go. So the question remains, Can I Jump?

With the piano being the backbone of "Can I Jump?" the texture and feel of the song is a clever buildup that centres around the chord progression. The tempo comes from a cleverly worked drum beat that gives the song a real sense of energy. As the song builds, there are additions of guitars that fill the space, but unsurprisingly, it is the melody line and particularly the vocals that make this song. Freya Ridings has one of the most distinctive vocal sounds in popular music at the moment, and the layering of her voice is a beautiful lead that carries the song. With cleverly crafted lyrics and a catchy melody, this latest release has all the makings of a hit that will no doubt be in our ears a lot in the coming months.

Author: Phil Arnold

Phil Arnold is a musician, producer and music reviewer from Devon, in the South West of England. Whilst not writing music reviews, Phil also writes and records under the name of Ugbrooke.