By Sage Spirk, Contributor

[Atlantic; 2025]

Rating: 7/10

On Oct. 3, Fred Again.. and Amyl and the Sniffers released “you’re a star” as the first track of Fred Again’s USB002 series via Atlantic Records. The USB002 series features new songs every Friday for the next 10 weeks, along with a Fred again.. show in a new city each week. This collaboration is an eccentric and intriguing track to kick off the new project.

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If you’re familiar with Amyl and the Sniffers’ sound, then “you’re a start” will throw you for a loop. There are no remnants of Amy Taylor’s commanding voice, rock star persona or overall punk sound. Rather, Fred Again.. dominates the track with his signature EDM production style, with Taylor close in stride. Fred Again.. produces electric instrumentals and fun club beats that accompany Taylor’s more subdued vocals, a practice that is out of character for the singer. Her robotic voice drones on and on with a chant of “You wanna get out of here,” and “Hey, you’re a lit one / Never been a dull onе / Always been a big star / Always been a big one.”

It’s impressive that Taylor is able to breach her usual genre and adapt so effectively. The avant-garde nature of “you’re a star” grows on you with every listen. The amalgamation of dance beats, sirens and synthesizers almost distracts from the lyrics, but upon further inspection, the lyrics express the desire to escape emotional strife. Many can relate to this theme of breaking free and “getting out of here,” as Taylor sings, “It isn’t easy when the town’s full of broken hearts / Can you be holdin’ on any tighter? / Just take a breath and get out of this place / I know you can just get yourself together.”

Despite its relatability, “you’re a star” also has the ability to unsettle you. It switches between fast, upbeat tempos and a slow, ethereal synth. This ebb and flow paired with Taylor’s mechanical voice makes the song feel foreboding with a deep-seated sadness, like you’re chasing a dream that’s just out of reach, leaving you stuck in a boring, suffocating hole. While this nightmare could easily keep you from a good night’s sleep, the song is just poppy enough to break that trance and invite you to dance away your worries like they were never there. 

Amyl and The Sniffers truly showcased their versatility by venturing into the land of EDM. While the track is unconventional, the fun beats, strange atmosphere and repetitive lyrics pull you in as though you’re on the dance floor at a rave. Give “you’re a star” a listen and be sure to tune into Fred Again..’s USB002 series for a new song every Friday.