Fraeya - “Housewarming”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Juilen Baker, Samia, Soccer Mommy

“Housewarming” starts inauspiciously, a haunting electric guitar line slowly and quietly emoting melody accompanied by melancholic, understated vocals. Soon some light grunge chords come in, a calling to the rest of Fraeya to erupt in shoegaze-leaning reverb and percussion. This movement in “Housewarming” gives the track dynamic life, pulsing with passion and embracing soft/loud control. This is the only single from the Australian quartet so far, but since it covers so much ground alone, it gives a really strong indication of the band’s abilities both in songwriting and performance. Their sound is raw in moments both big and small, blindly vulnerable that teeters on regretful and confidently moving forward. “Housewarming” is one of the most powerful single tracks from SXSW artists I’ve come by, so it makes whatever comes next from Fraeya notably exciting and also makes a chance to see a live set in Austin equally intriguing. (Kevin McStravick)