Fred Again at Reading Festival review | Historic set rewrites the future of festival headliners

Certainly the most prominent rising star in the electronic music scene, Fred Again and his unique style of emotive electronic music perfectly encapsulated the experience of navigating through the ups and downs of lockdown and post-lockdown life.

The live performance of the band rapidly became outstanding, supported by an amazing set at Boiler Room and solidified by a four-night run at Alexandra Palace and a memorable show at Glastonbury 2022. They have attracted huge crowds at other festivals such as Flow Festival in Helsinki and Sziget Festival in Budapest this summer, and the same is true for Reading.

"We usually don't begin a performance like this," he mentioned about the powerful 'Turn On the Lights again...' that started tonight's set, "but I had a clear idea of how I was going to start because I understand the feeling of being in that audience." It soon becomes clear that the Main Stage at Reading has never experienced a show like this before. Not only electronic music hasn't been the main act since Disclosure performed in 2016, but the magnitude of this show and the large audience could indicate a major change in Reading's booking choices.

Choosing to skip the emotional speeches and gradual piano melodies that make him unique from other DJs and producers, Fred is performing at his best tonight. Popular tracks like ‘adore u’, inspired by his little sister, and the energetic ‘leavemealone’ are played early in the set. Fred quickly moves between his scissor lift opening set and the main stage, keeping the energy high.

It's no secret that Fred Again is at his best when he's delivering high-energy tracks. The incredible sequence of 'BerwynGesaffNeighbours', 'Jungle', and 'Rumble' from his 2022 album 'USB' is truly unmatched. With a bonus Baby Keem sample and a powerful D&B outro on 'Rumble', Fred Again is owning the stage on a Saturday night at Reading Festival. With only The Wombats' late 2000s indie standing in his way, he's making sure to leave a lasting impression.

Following that thrilling peak, we return to the familiar Fred style for the rest of the journey. Tracks like 'Angie (i've been lost)' and 'Clara (the night is dark)' lay the foundation for his popular song, the collaboration with Blessed Madonna titled 'Marea (we've lost dancing)' that speaks directly to those yearning for the party scene during the pandemic. While much of Fred Again's 'Actual Life' series is influenced by artists like James Blake and Caribou, it's clear that Fred's work stands out in its own unique way.

As 'Billie (loving arms)' and 'Delilah (pull me out of this)' wrapped up the festival, a feeling of pure joy spread throughout the crowd. Choosing Fred Again.. as the headliner for a festival known for rock music may have seemed risky, but the incredible payoff was undeniable.

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