Album Review Gus Dapperton - Orca

After arriving with last year’s debut ‘Where Polly People Go To Read’, NYC’s Gus Dapperton established himself as a leading force of quirky upbeat alt-pop. Full of weird and wonderful synth-heavy indie-pop sizzlers, follow-up ‘Orca’ finds Gus stepping into a whole different realm. It was penned during a time of imabalance, brought on by the exhilarating highs and lows of touring life and all the ‘extra-curricular’ opportunities it brings up. Finding himself in a dark place emotionally, Gus began putting those thoughts and feelings into songs, crafting what would eventually become his second record. Setting the tone with the opening lyric “Sorry about my head” on dreamy second track and lead single, ‘First Aid’, ‘Orca’ follows Gus during one of the most difficult times of his life. ‘Bluebird’, a swaggering stomping track, finds him discussing anxiety, while heavier track ‘Grim’ details the difficulties of suffering with depression. Though starkly different in tone to his debut, ‘Orca’ remains inherently ‘Gus Dapperton’ with his signature growling vocals and effortless alt-pop grooves and indie licks showcasing an artist stepping up musically, while also finding strength in his vulnerability.