By Olivia Glod

Gillian Heidi is here to mold a new generation of pop music, and her latest single proves she’s ready for that challenge. Adding to the collection of up-and-coming Gen Z novelties, Heidi takes her distinguishing voice to make self-aware lyrics on “Fray” impossible to forget.

From start to finish, Heidi builds momentum by gradually introducing new instruments as the power behind her voice grows stronger through every verse. The single opens with just a few subtle keys from the piano, allowing listeners to be drawn into her heartbreak solely by her intoxicating vocals. Slowly but surely, Heidi adds drums that feel like a hollow heartbeat and the lingering push-and-pull of violin strings. 

The bridge of “Fray” serves as a turning point as Heidi transitions from telling a story to using her powerful pipes to plea “break me,” “take me,” “need me,” “free me,” establishing an emotional connection, and maybe even a touch of sympathy, between herself and anyone who’s listening.  

Heidi’s youth has already been addressed with “Fray” serving as another example of how her maturity reflects in her songwriting. Despite only being seventeen, she can vividly and concisely describe the taxation of impending loss through a range of original yet relatable metaphors. 

Similar to “Fray,” Heidi has demonstrated in previous singles “static” and “desperate” that she’s not afraid of who she is or what she’s feeling. With her debut album, 3am, right around the corner, she’s taking her emotions and music seriously, and both are here to stay.