Immersing us with an exquisite synthscape, with intricate design, emotive melodic elements, textures and poetic layers, we are obsessed with FRED‘s EP, Creature.
“I’m not gonna be your latest Jesus, Jesus isn’t quite as soft as me…” sings the rising artist from Seattle on the first track of the record, Latest Jesus, who is delivering cerebral and intelligent pop as they disidentify and connect at the same time.
This is the debut EP for FRED, who is cementing their brand of cohesive queer pop and indietronica that explores the artist’s relationship with grief, queerness, family, and love.
I’m Not Better has elements of R&B laced through the opus with psychedelic synths and a luxurious sonic landscape as FRED sings vulnerably “You said take some time but I’m still not fine…”.
We stan their rap verse, poetic delivery and the universe they have designed. Next is Giving Up, which starts with rising and cerebral synths with static before we experience a pop vocal and vibrant hook featuring the name of the song.
The record is made in collaboration with producers Timothy Robert Graham and William Cremin. 4 More Years is the numerologically apt fourth track on the EP which takes on a more theatrical energy.
White Sheet takes us back to moodier realms whilst FRED sings, “I could be the one that I’m supposed to be” whilst the soundscape is moodier and synthetic. There are moments within the track that lend themselves to comparisons to Bowie. We love the layered vocals.
Finally, Trust Yourself cements FRED‘s message of self creation and self love as they sing “It feels so good to me, it feels so right to me…” and “you can trust yourself…”
Safe to say we are obsessed. We have added Latest Jesus and I’m Not Better to our New Music Spotlight playlist and can’t wait to hear more from FRED!