Fred again..'s new electronic music album, ten days, released on Sept. 6, 2024, is a collection of songs that capture the spirit of ten distinct days. Among these songs, “glow” stands out—but it’s hard to describe exactly why. It’s a song that's tricky to explain, a blend of sounds that evokes both nostalgia and pure joy, flying me to another time and place. At the same time, it brings a fresh, modern energy that makes me feel alive in an entirely new way.

Listening to “glow” seems like a trip down memory lane. I love it when songs feel this way. It’s like being drawn into a video game from the early 2010s—think of a hidden gem from the Nintendo Wii or Wii U, or even a cool indie game you stumbled upon on Steam. The song is playful and charming, yet deep, blending house music with chiptune melodies. It brings back the bliss I felt when I first heard the soundtrack of Super Mario Galaxy—capturing the same energy and upbeat feel as the music from Super Monkey Ball 2. It also reminds me of the weighty emotions and sense of importance found in the Undertale soundtrack—delivering a sense of wonder and atmosphere typical of video game music. I'm not sure why, but this bitpop style seems to strike a chord with me lately. The track features a dynamic collaboration among Fred Again.., Duskus, Four Tet, Joy Anonymous, and Skrillex.

The song opens with a spiraling synth riff, wrapping around you like a comforting blanket of sound. As the layers build slowly, looping synths swing and whoop, creating a thrill. The fuzzy synths whirl, stretch, squeeze, bend and turn, creating the sensation of being drawn into a vortex of sound. It feels like a tornado lifting you from your house and transporting you away from a black-and-white world, much like in The Wizard of Oz. It's like the chain lift of a Six Flags roller coaster, building up to the drop—excitement…suspense… 

At the 1:15 mark, the hi-hats kick in, and the track really comes to life. You can’t help but tap your hand or foot as you feel, see and hear the direction it’s taking. There’s no need for lyrics—just pure joy. It’s a slow burner, but progression is the journey. The distortion grows, and the beat becomes heavier, louder and more intense. Before you know it, over two minutes have passed and then the drop hits.

The drop is simple yet perfect, like reaching level two of an indie platformer where the character is jumping or spinning across the screen. You find yourself effortlessly excelling in a game you’ve just started, amazed at how well you’re doing. That’s part of the fun, and the music keeps you moving forward. It’s pure, like being a child again with no worries, playing a game that feels endless. 

Describing the sounds is challenging, but they bring back a feeling of older electronic music. I find that the song draws influences from Porter Robinson, with a touch of deadmau5. 

Around 4:35, the song pulls back, offering a reflective, ambient section. It’s a quiet moment that feels like taking a breath after a long run, giving you a chance to pause. The synths slowly start to build again, bringing in a sense of wonder. I find this part refreshing–allowing for introspection if you let yourself just…think. Then, at 6:07, the final drop arrives, delivering a glorious explosion of sound that feels like pure euphoria. 

The track ends with an airy fade-out, creating the sensation of being gently lifted into the air towards an ethereal space surrounded by swirling cosmic sounds. As if slowly ascending into orbit in the stratosphere, the shoegaze-style ending, with its layers of distortion, enhances the spaciousness of the sound. It reveals a warm, celestial ambiance with a gradual fade-out.

“glow” offers an immersive experience that unfolds kind of like a story. It feels like the anthem to a video game that never existed—but should have. Really, this instrumental invites you to close your eyes, put on your headphones and let your imagination take the wheel. I’m curious about what you would feel—or see. I hope you find it as captivating as I did.

Be sure to explore the other standout tracks from Fred Again.. 's new album ten days, including “places to be,” “ten” and “adore u.” The album is available now on streaming services like Spotify, SoundCloud and Apple Music, so give it a listen if it sounds at all interesting! Also, if you collect vinyl, look forward to the physical release on Nov. 22.

For its infectious charm, nostalgic allure, and emotion—”glow” continues to shine brightly, earning a solid: