Twenty years into their musical journey, Marseille-based RedLight aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. Rather than chasing trends or reinventing their sound, the French indie rock outfit continue to lean into what they do best. Their latest single, “Ten Circles,” follows 2025’s Homeworks with another confident dose of alternative rock, driven by gritty guitars and an unmistakable passion for the craft.
Drawing on the spirit of ’90s alternative rock, “Ten Circles” finds an appealing middle ground between the playful fuzziness of Pixies and the heavier guitar-driven sound of Pearl Jam. The rhythmic guitar work is particularly compelling, building an infectious hook that gives the track much of its character. There’s also a touch of The Cure and The Black Keys in its sonic palette, making for a sound that feels nostalgic without being stuck in the past.
RedLight aren’t interested in chasing perfection, and that’s precisely where the charm lies. The full-band arrangement carries the energy of a live performance, allowing each instrument to contribute to a sound that feels naturally connected. Rather than relying on elaborate production tricks, the band leave room for the music to breathe, retaining the imperfections and nuances that make rock music exciting in the first place.
That approach is hardly accidental. Formed in 2007, RedLight have built their identity around a fiercely independent DIY philosophy. Recorded and mixed by guitarist Dape at the band’s home studio, MySmall Studio, just outside Marseille, “Ten Circles” is another product of that hands-on creative process. As the band puts it, it’s “DIY all the way!”
Perhaps that’s the real appeal of RedLight: they aren’t trying to be anything other than a rock band that loves making rock music. “Ten Circles” captures that sentiment effortlessly, balancing familiarity with enough personality to keep things interesting. Twenty years later, the formula still works; and there’s no reason to fix what isn’t broken!
