We’ve actually covered Adrielle Bow Belle’s new album FREEZE already, but we liked it so much that we decided we wanted to do it all over again, but from another perspective this time around. Hopefully, that should show you just how good this album is – it’s a seven-movement concept project which is a masterclass in storytelling, blending several different genres together overall.

By Jane Howkins

FREEZE was also intentionally released on July 6th (which is the date that Anne Frank went into hiding in Amsterdam), showing yet again that this record is far more than a collection of songs. Instead, it’s a true exploration of the current social justice movement, also covering themes such as generational memories and the current ICE raids in America.

Opener and lead single Icey Roads sets the tone for the record, written about Adrielle’s neighbours in Minnesota working together to repel the ICE forces, showing just how deep this art really is. It’s fairly upbeat at times with a gorgeous chord sequence on the chorus, but you can really feel the tension within the track. Come Home Tonight is a glacial, slow-burning piece of r&b infused-pop, but the message is still there, as Adrielle’s soft vocals show a heartbreakingly vulnerable side. It was originally released as a protest single in 2020 and was also nominated for Best Message Song at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards so Come Home Tonight is definitely another must listen song on FREEZE.

Small Talk takes things in another direction completely – it’s much more upbeat, with a sultry r&b/pop beat heading up the musical tone of the tune. However, despite still having a social message, it’s also perhaps the sharpest character study on the record, showing Adrielle’s disdain towards small talk and over politeness.

Breaking News somewhat expands on the previous themes of Small Talk, instead discussing the current issues with social media and doomscrolling. It does sound a lot more positive in terms of the jazzy musical arrangement though, featuring a range of pulsating piano chords that underpin the narrative well. Next up, we find Bunker, which uses a simple yet effective opening piano melody to build up an intriguing story about feeling safe and psychological survival.

Rockets is perhaps the most haunting song on FREEZE – here, Adrielle uses a jolly sounding fingerpicked guitar melody to sing about the global toll that war and international turmoil are currently causing. It’s a little on the nose, but sometimes good art has to be to get the point across – a particular moment of note is when Adrielle sings the lyrics “We got the whole world suffering” to the tune of He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands. Finally, we have an acapella variation of Icey Roads to round the album out nicely. It’s worth a listen and really highlights the lyrics well, but I did find myself preferring the original version.

FREEZE is a fantastic concept album that genuinely seems to earn its ambitious scope through Adrielle’s patience, restraint and exceptional songwriting skills. It’s a deeply important and transformative record and one that I believe everyone should listen to at least once.

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