Gus Dapperton x ZeroSpace Virtual Concert
Gus Dapperton performs songs from his sophomore album “Orca” in a broadcast with ZeroSpace. KXSC’s Judith Shruti reviews the virtual concert.
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The unveiling of the concert was a rather suspenseful affair. In blue light, we saw a carpeted hallway with a fan pacing steadily. Voices began to crackle in the background, and sure enough, we started to hear the band gearing up doing their final soundcheck.
Whether you were watching from the comfort of your bedroom, basement, or attic, it was evident that we were in store for a full-blown production. This was a moment for escapism.
Strapped in a tight red tank top, Gus Dapperton strutted through a barrage of oddly placed, low hanging grey curtains and out onto a purple lit runway. His silver hair glowed in the incandescent light, his gold trinket earrings jingled perfectly in time.
The night started with “Verdigris” from his 2019 album “Where Polly People Go To Read.” Gus played several hits, including popular tracks, “Ditch,” “Gum, Toe, and Sole,” and “Fill Me Up Anthem.” My highlight had to be when Gus sang the popular song “I’m Just Snacking” in a set that was lit royal blue cradling a giant psychedelic disco ball, adding to his whimsical performing style.
ZeroSpace set the mood perfectly with the lighting. The production and use of technology made for enthralling sets, allowing for a unique visual experience. With expert camera work, the concert felt like a continuous music video.
As we drew closer to the end of the concert Gus introduced some of his latest songs. His song “Bluebird” from his recently released album “Orca”, was a happy upbeat tune that got the entire band dancing. Gus then played ‘First Aid’ a melancholy tune, and he ended the night with “Post Humorous.”
Gus has been having a stand out year, releasing hit after hit. Perhaps quarantine has something to do with it? One thing is for sure: Gus Dapperton is making stand out music, and is making a mark with his unique singing voice. A fan in the comments ‘CheeksClapperton’ crowned him “Rasp King”— Gus’ raspy, screaming style gives him the capacity to genre bend, mixing alternative pop and early 2000’s rock.
The night was a moment to celebrate this young upcoming artist, and his fans came through. While the atmosphere of being in a shared space wasn’t available to the viewers, there was a sense of camaraderie in the comment section. Everyone was screaming out the lyrics in all caps, showing Gus and the band love and energy in the best way they could.
Critiques:
Some of the shots of Gus walking to the other sets were a bit too long, that time could have been devoted to the band instead.
There could have been an information tab with the setlist, as someone who isn’t fully aware of his body of work it was difficult to keep up with the track names. However the audience did a good job of screaming the lines of the lyrics in the comment section.
Personally, I would have liked it if they played their new music closer to the beginning of the concert.
- Judith Shruti, DJ