Drawing us in with a textured drum riff and a glistening guitar soundscape, Steph Fraser opens Cold Hard Facts with the situational prose, “In the pouring rain, I was driving you, you were driving me, kind of insane, weren’t you babe?”
We immediately connect with the unfolding narrative and the raw authenticity that transmutes with the track. The journey, both literal and metaphorical, is laced with poetic prowess as Steph shares her lived experience and emotional quotient with us.
Her timbre switches up from brooding to sassy with ethereal moments as we experience the full spectrum of her emotions. There is an indie-pop timelessness that manifests and a cinematic allure that would make the track perfect for a movie like the recent Netflix hit movie, Voicemails for Isabelle, or an episode of My Life with the Walter Boys.
In essence, Cold Hard Facts is about the subtle and often overlooked forms of emotional abuse that can exist within romantic relationships. Steph taps into a poignant and rather societally zeitgeist examination of manipulation, coercive behaviour, and unhealthy dynamics. With the rise of manosphere energy and toxic masculinity, Cold Hard Facts is exactly the type of intentional song that we need to break the mould.
Sure it has an upbeat indie-pop sound with jangly guitars and an infectious hook, but Steph Fraser‘s subject matter hits pretty deep! Fans of 90s era Alanis Morissette would absolutely be able to connect with what Steph has created. Also, credit to her chord progressions, as they really tap into our heart’s centre. The stripped back almost a cappella moments are incredible too.
As you can tell, we are in awe, and have added Cold Hard Facts to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Steph Fraser’s exquisite, growing discography including Only Gonna Cry For You, and On Paper.