The Glow

In the two years following The Glow’s debut album release, the previously solo endeavor of LVL UP’s Michael Caridi took shape as a fully realized and collaborative band. Joined by fellow LVL UP member Greg Rutkin and seasoned performers Kate Meizer (Hellrazor, Potty Mouth) and Nicola Leel (Doe) — the four piece have found their voice as collaborators.

The first glimpse of The Glow’s new musical direction comes as a double track release, “Love Only” b/w “Heavy Glow.” Where Am I’s lyrics found Caridi questioning and deconstructing himself for a vulnerable look at his own insecurities and flaws, “Love Only” exudes a new quiet confidence. “It makes me afraid of myself, I’ll reflect on it at 30”, Caridi sings through a chaotic noise, before biting back — “I’ll refuse the pattern, and perpetuate love only”, a rich moment elevated by Nicola Leel’s powerful harmonies.

This new collaboration is most apparent on B-side “Heavy Glow”, the four piece’s first entirely collaborative song. With Caridi stepping back as lead vocalist of The Glow for the first time, Kate Meizner steps in to demonstrate her effortless command for vocal melodies. Clocking in at seven minutes, the track features fuzzy guitars from Caridi, reminiscent of his contributions to LVL UP, yet this time steeped in a deep pulsing tremolo that give the track its dizzying foundation. Rutkin’s steady drumming and Leel’s driving bass pave the way for Meizner’s hushed vocals, recalling shoegaze greats.