Surf Mesa, Somewhere | Track Review 🎵

Rising electronic musician Surf Mesa impresses on “Somewhere,” his first original single of 2020.  He taps Gus Dapperton for the vocal assist.

Surf Mesa (Powell Aguirre) makes his first appearance on The Musical Hype.  It’s only by chance that the Seattle, WA electronic musician caught my attention – thanks Spotify. The 20-year-old is an up-and-coming artist, releasing his debut EP bedroom, in 2019.  Since bedroom, Aguirre has released a couple of singles, including “ily (i love you baby)” and the song at hand, “Somewhere.” On “Somewhere,” he taps the unique singer Gus Dapperton for the assist (Dapperton released his debut album, Where Polly People Go to Read in 2019).  

“Somewhere” is an enjoyable record from start to finish.  The production by Surf Mesa is well-rounded and certainly suited to Dapperton’s vocal style.  Aguirre constructs a sleek backdrop, characterized by sugary sweet synths, warm pads, and anchored by an infectious groove.  Gus Dapperton completes the painting that Aguirre begins with his production bringing colorful, expressive vocals and of course, lyrics to the table.  Dapperton reveals the cards at the beginning as the chorus is the first section we hear:

“By the stroke of my hand
I’ll never hold you again
Go and save that love for someone
For something, for somewhere
And by the weight of my head
I’ll always drown in regret
You saved that love for someone
For something, for somewhere.”

Ah, it’s pretty catchy and obviously, relatable with love fueling the fire.  From there, Gus provides the details of the narrative.  It’s all about the breakup. Things are broken between two former lovers and Gus is bummed about it to say the least.

Final Thoughts

All in all, there’s lots to like about “Somewhere.” Great production work by the lead artist, Surf Mesa, first and foremost.  He sets up singer extraordinaire Gus Dapperton for hella success.  Dapperton ‘puts in work’ and ‘brings it on home’ by all means.  I wouldn’t call “Somewhere” life changing – that’s an overstatement. That said, it’s definitely a song that’s worth adding to your playlist.

Surf Mesa • “Somewhere” (Ft. Gus Dapperton) • Astralwerks • Release: 7.31.20

Photo Credits: Astralwerks