FUCK YOU, STEVE.
Or at least, that’s how I would sum up London O’Conner’s song “Guts” in only a few words. Eff you and your sister Karen.
Upon hearing the first thirty seconds of “Guts,” I knew that I wanted to write about this song. The most recently released single from O’Connor’s upcoming debut album, ΟΔ, “Guts” is a song that catches you off guard in a really good way. From what I’ve heard so far, ΟΔ is a mostly rap, semi-hip hop, semi-electronic album that is difficult to fit into one particular genre. As O’Connor makes clear on his his Twitter: “This album is not a hip hop record. I do not stunt on it and brag. I do not lie. I do steal a lawn gnome. And I use the ED1.”
Well, that’s a description I can definitely live with.
“Guts” is a straightforward declaration of hatred — with a beat so oddly captivating that after a couple of listens, I was beginning to hate this guy Steve (even though he is only actually mentioned once in the song by name) just as much as O’Connor does. You end up feeling as if you’re hanging out with O’Connor on the couch, nodding your head in rhythm while discussing that kind douche nozzle who ruins every social situation just by existing.
I suppose that’s a more light-hearted way to interpret the song — but that’s what is great about a lot of O’Connor’s music. It can transcend the personal into an experience that is wholly your own.
ΟΔ is out now. Check it out.
P.S. If you want to see an absolutely beautiful video of London rocking what looks like a flannel nightgown and talking about his music, the team over at Pigeons & Planes produced this gem.