Freya Ridings, “Blood Orange” Tour Albert Hall, Manchester, 4th October 2023

 

 

WORDS AND IMAGES WARREN MILLAR

 

It’s a busy Manchester tonight not just for live music but also the last day of the Conservative Party Conference being held there the last few days and it’s like the bad old days of Northern Ireland in Manchester City Centre with road blocks and check points all around tonight’s venue which just happens to be right next to Manchester Conference Centre where the Conservatives are meeting, but enough about politics, we are here at the beautiful Albert Hall to check out British singer-songwriter Freya Ridings on her Manchester leg of her current tour after the release of her latest album “Blood Orange”.

Ridings known for her emotive and powerful vocals was born on April 19, 1994, in London, England. she gained widespread recognition for her breakout single “Lost Without You,” which was released in 2017. The song garnered significant attention and popularity, reaching the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart. Ridings comes from a musical family and growing up in a creative environment, she developed a passion for music at a young age.

Her self-titled debut album, “Freya Ridings,” was released in July 2019 and received positive reviews for its emotional depth and Ridings’ distinctive voice. The album includes tracks like “Lost Without You,” “Castles,” and “You Mean the World to Me.”

But first up for us tonight are Devon based trio “Tors” they play a mix of hook driven indie-folk. Comprised of brothers Matt and Theo Weedon and Jack Bowden these three guys put on a great support set. Musically they are spot on and tight with some catchy tunes and some sublime harmonies all tied up with brilliant guitar work. They interact with the ever growing crowd at every opportunity in-between songs and this makes them even more likable so much so that by the end of their set everyone is joining in with the chorus of their last song. A very strong accomplished set from these Devon lads and we would highly recommend seeing them live if you get the chance.

 

 

As the clock struck 9:00 PM, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The crowd’s buzz of excitement seemed to reverberate through the very walls of the Albert Hall. Ridings band took to the stage and started to play the intro to her first song and then, like a luminous apparition, Freya emerged wearing a silver sparkly top and log black laced taffeta dress, bathed in soft, ethereal light she looked amazing and to a thunderous round of applause and woops the night had started in earnest.

Freya kicked off the evening with “Dancing In A Hurricane” her emotive voice resonating through the hall, instantly casting a spell on the audience. Her ability to convey raw, unfiltered emotion through her singing is nothing short of breath-taking. It’s as if each note is a window to her soul, and she invites her listeners to peer in. Throughout the night, Freya delivered a captivating blend of tracks from her self-titled debut album and her latest album “Blood Orange” songs like”Ultraviolet,” Face In The Crowd”and “Lost Without You” stood out as some of the most spellbinding moments of the evening. The way she harnessed the piano’s power, her signature instrument, to create hauntingly beautiful melodies was nothing short of mesmerizing.

What truly sets Freya Ridings apart is her connection with her audience. Between songs, she shared anecdotes, laughed, and even almost shed a tear or two, making the already intimate setting feel like a gathering of friends. It was clear that she poured her heart and soul into every lyric, making each song feel deeply personal.

In the end, Freya Ridings’ performance at Albert Hall in Manchester was nothing short of a transcendent experience. Her music has a rare ability to touch the soul, and her presence on stage is both commanding and vulnerable. It was a night where strangers became friends through a shared love of music, and where hearts were left aching and full in the best possible way. She didn’t just perform; she poured every ounce of herself into that performance, leaving the audience with an unforgettable memory. 

 

 

Set List

1/ Dancing in a Hurricane
2/ Weekends
3/ Bite Me
4/ Bitter
5/ Can I Jump?
6/ Wolves
7/ Perfect
8/ Face in the Crowd
9/ Someone New
10/ Still Have You
11/ Ultraviolet
12/ Waking Up
13/ Wither on the Vine
14/ Rise
15/ Blood Orange
16/ Lost Without You
17/ Castles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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