Fred Again.. ‘USB002’ Review: A Flow State of Impulsive Floor-Fillers

Step into the rhythmic world of Fred Again.. where impulsive beats and unstoppable energy create an endless flow of dancefloor magic.

Fred Again..: The Man of the Moment Keeps Breaking Boundaries

Four years after the Actual Life series vaulted Fred Gibson—better known as Fred Again..—into the dance music stratosphere, he remains the undeniable king of moment-to-moment musical magic. This London-based producer and DJ has been on a whirlwind global takeover, effortlessly pivoting from sell-out stadiums in New York City to intimate 1,000-capacity venues like Sheffield’s Forge. His crowning achievement? Becoming the first dance act to headline the iconic Reading & Leeds Festival in 2024—a historic milestone that firmly cements his place in music history.

Fred’s appeal stems from his unique ability to blend everyday emotions with euphoric dance rhythms. His earlier albums, including the Actual Life series and 2024’s Ten Days, were filled with blissful reflections on fleeting moments of life. But don’t mistake that for all he does—Fred has also mastered the art of crafting heavy-hitting rave tracks that thrum with garage, dubstep, and jungle energy. This duality shines brightly on his “infinite album” project, USB, launched as a creative outlet for tracks that simply don’t fit into any neat category.

A Living, Breathing Album: The Story Behind USB002

The USB002 vinyl-only release is the second installment of this expansive USB project. It features 16 fresh tracks that were unveiled over a whirlwind 10-week streaming rollout, crafted alongside surprise DJ sets from Dublin to Mexico City.

Fred’s whirlwind tour of pop-ups and real-time studio work created a sense of living art, a pulse connecting fans worldwide. The hype was real: despite a strict Glastonbury-style ticketing process, a staggering 100,000 people tried to snag tickets for his opening show in Glasgow. Talk about demand!

This album isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s a snapshot of an artist in his element, evolving in front of our eyes. Collaborators like Floating Points and Sammy Virji bring their signature textures to the mix. Take “Ambery,” where the techno-driven tension recalls the haunting beauty of Floating Points’ 2019 album Crush. Meanwhile, “The Floor” is a masterclass in build and release, like the slow climb and thrilling drop of a rollercoaster.

Unexpected Collaborations That Expand the Sonic Landscape

Fred Again..’s USB002 isn’t just a playground for electronic heavyweights. It also features some surprising guests from the Australian guitar scene. The track “You’re A Star” morphs Amyl & The Sniffers’ punk-infused anthem “Big Dreams” into a breakbeat wonderland, while “Hardstyle 2” takes Shady Nasty’s experimental post-punk vibes and transforms them into a hypnotic Underworld-esque journey with help from Kettama.

Fred’s genius is his infinite flexibility—he doesn’t just remix, he takes over tracks, reimagining them until they’re something totally new yet perfectly in sync with his sound. It’s a testament to how he effortlessly bridges genres and styles, making connections where you least expect them.

Visuals and Vibes: The Art Behind the Sound

The rollout of USB002 was more than just music; it was a full sensory experience. Fred banned filming at his shows, which took place in vast warehouses bathed in mesmerizing lights, creating an atmosphere thick with anticipation and raw energy. Instead, his team released moody black-and-white footage and crafted unique artwork for each single—capturing fleeting moments of the adrenaline-fueled crowds and the magic Fred can summon just by showing up.

This project lives in the here and now—a dynamic, constantly evolving wave of sound and visuals that mirrors the perpetual flux Fred thrives in.

Why USB Feels Like the Future of Music

Where Actual Life and Ten Days captured snapshots of life’s beautiful imperfections, USB feels like an album in motion—always shifting, always alive. It blurs the lines between the traditional album and the ever-changing playlist, signaling a new way to experience music in the digital age.

USB002 is proof that Fred Again.. isn’t just the man of the moment—he’s shaping up to be the defining artist of this decade and perhaps even the voice of his generation.

Details

• Record label: Atlantic Records
• Release date: December 16, 2025

Fred Again..’s USB002 is an immersive dive into impulsive, dancefloor-ready tracks that capture the euphoria of now. It’s a testament to his fearless innovation and the magnetic force he remains in the global music scene.

What’s your favorite track from USB002? How do you feel the infinite album concept changes the way we engage with music today? Let’s keep the conversation going.

FAQ

• What is the concept behind Fred Again..’s USB project?
  It’s designed as an “infinite album,” a flexible collection of tracks that don’t fit into traditional album categories, allowing Fred to experiment freely and release music in real time.
• How does USB002 differ from Fred Again..’s earlier work?
  While earlier albums like Actual Life focused on everyday bliss, USB002 embraces heavier electronic genres like garage, dubstep, and jungle, showcasing a more impulsive and energetic side.
• Who are some collaborators featured on USB002?
  The album includes contributions from electronic artists Floating Points and Sammy Virji, as well as interesting takes on guitar bands Amyl & The Sniffers and Shady Nasty.
• Why were shows filmed during the USB002 rollout banned from public recording?
  Fred wanted to preserve the raw, ephemeral energy of his shows and control the artistic narrative through curated monochrome footage and artwork instead of fan-shot videos.
• Where can I buy USB002?
  USB002 is available on vinyl, released by Atlantic Records. Check local and online record stores for availability.

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