Gaslighting might sound like a not-so-fun topic, but the latest single by Evil Little Thing titled “Unusual” is quite the opposite. In this whimsical track that boasts bright guitars, singable hooks and a happy high of fuzz, the musician explores the complexities of toxic relationships. It carries that certain nostalgic element of alternative rock while still sounding fresh, making it an easy repeat listen.
The use of mellotron is one of the most noticeable moments in the track. Personally, I liked that touch a lot. Makes it sound super playful and fun. Fans of Weezer, Wilco and The Flaming Lips will catch those influences. It borrows the best parts and shapes them into something with its own identity. The upbeat soundscape gives the song plenty of energy, while the lyrics give it depth. Everything feels purposeful, allowing the melody to stay front and center. Dave’s mellow vocals color the track with emotions that he wears on his sleeves.
1) What are some of the musical inspirations behind this track?
My main inspiration for this track is a combination of two songs that I love deeply. It’s “Pot Kettle Black” by Wilco and “Race To The Prize” by The Flaming Lips. But it also has a very Weezer-y element to it, especially the guitar solo which is the verse melody turning into a melodic ear candy from the first chorus, which is a very Weezer thing to do.
2) Talk about the lyrics and what they mean
Well, in general the song is about gaslighting. It’s about a moment in a fight when someone refuses to admit they’re wrong and just turns the blame back to you. It’s from this perspective but I wrote it as someone who also does this to others sometimes. But ultimately, it’s about redemption! The last chorus is what happens when you do take responsibility and how deep the impact can be. This message works not only in personal relationships but also in societal ones. There’s always a social element in what I write, I guess I hear too many news related podcasts.
3) Talk about the choice of instruments that build up its soundscape
When I wrote this song at first it was very different from what it is now. At first I imagined a very Pavement type song, I didn’t think it would be produced the way it was, but when I started to make the first demo it took another form. I really wanted the opening to feel like a TV show opening, and I always had a soft spot for the Mellotron sound, so I did the Weezer thing again which is taking the main melody of the vocals and transferring it into a “solo”. I also wanted to have a feedback orchestra like in Pot Kettle Black, but I still don’t understand how they did that incredibly rich and defined feedback. Mine was more like a swell of emotions, which is better for this song, but damn you Wilco! Anyway the rest is pretty straightforward, guitars, bass, drums and a little bit of keys just to expand the landscape when needed.
4) Is there a specific memory or incident that inspired this song?
It’s not about a specific moment, it’s just something that happens in relationships, not just romantic ones. It’s hard to take responsibility, and we all gaslight sometimes. This song is written from the receiving end, but it’s also for the giving end to learn from. I have been on both sides so it’s also me whining and also me learning what not to do. But I probably wrote this after a fight with my girlfriend.
5) I find the artwork quite amusing. Please share the story behind it.
The artwork is very much an improvisation. I needed an album cover quickly because I didn’t have one ready for the release, so I just bought some orange toys and started walking around my block looking for angles. I knew I wanted something with green, blue and an orange subject in the middle, and I found that weird gecko very comforting in a funny way. After I chose the photo I did some editing so it would feel more distant and blurry and almost like a dream. I guess I can make up some explanation of how it relates to the song, but honestly I just needed an album cover and this worked.
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