Freya Skye marks a new and exciting era with her debut heartbreak, honest and emotionally healing EP ‘stardust’. Throughout five tracks, the project captures the experience and emotion of what love feels like as a young teenager trying to navigate a new side of life for the first time. ‘stardust’ focuses on feeling and experiencing over trying to be everything for everyone at once.
Opening with her recent hit single ‘silent treatment’, the EP immediately puts Skye on the board to be the next mainstream pop girl. This track sets an emotional tone for the EP, with Skye singing through the pain of heartbreak as someone you once loved exits your life without a reason. The track expertly balances softness and tension, paired with a powerful, dancey chorus. Lyrically, it dives into the mind of an overthinker throughout the frustration of being shut out without an explanation. It’s a powerful introduction to the project, bringing the listener into the world and mind of the raw side of Skye, all while being accompanied by upbeat melodies.
The sense of frustration and anger continues throughout ‘petty’, a standout moment on the EP. The track leans into the realisation and self awareness of someone’s original intentions with Skye. Lyrics like "you had it out from the moment you met me" demonstrate the acceptance Skye felt when she noticed she wasn’t the problem, in turn leading to her reclaiming power. Due to the bright production, the EP is kept happy, which also stops the tracklist from feeling emotionally downbeat.
Halfway through, ‘stardust’ takes a diversion. ‘golden boy’ is reflective on how she visualised her first love, in comparison to what it actually became. Skye's vocal performance is deliberately self controlled, to keep the emotion balanced instead of overpowering them. The same control continues into ‘maybe tomorrow’ - a track that slightly brings the tempo down, in order to give the rawness back in a simple but beautifully polished delivery. It’s not just about a solution but sitting with unanswered questions, a common theme throughout this project.
Closing the EP with ‘why’d you have to call’ brings a beautiful shift in energy and attitude. An upbeat anthem that centers upon acceptance, moving on and healing, the song also wonders why they had to try and call their way back into your life. Lyrics like “do you get some kind of sick satisfaction? / knowing I'm gonna have to pick myself up all over again” demonstrate the cycle of healing. The track is a suitable finale because it reflects the process of healing, moving on, stumbling and having to continue the cycle, no matter how many times you get knocked back.
What makes ‘stardust’ unique isn’t only the songwriting but the emotion and story behind the project. Each track feels like part of the same heartbreak chapter but from a different time throughout the healing process, joined with consistent production and a clear narrative voice. Skye doesn’t over vocalise her emotions but particularly leans into her uniqueness. Her voice continues to be meaningful throughout, prioritising connection over energy.
As a debut EP, ‘stardust’ feels raw, unique and grounded. It introduces Skye to the world as a young girl who understands her feelings, experiences and that she isn’t afraid to be open and honest. Even though the project leaves room to develop, it still establishes a solid foundation. ‘stardust’ is the healing EP any young girl going through heartbreak yearns for.
Chloe Ridgley
Image: ‘stardust' Official EP Cover