Evil Little Thing, the project of Guy Dekel, released “Unusual” on July 10th, and it is one of the more immediately enjoyable singles I have come across recently. Dekel handles the songwriting, production, mix, and artwork entirely himself, with Yam Amitay on mastering and additional help from Niv Geva.
The song carries a whimsical energy that sits between Weezer’s playful charm and Malcolm Todd, with a vocal quality that brings to mind Wheatus; that same slightly awkward sincerity that lands well. The guitar is an immediate highlight that comes to mind; it’s infectious and it hooks you once you hear it.
Underneath the playful surface though, “Unusual” is dealing with something heavier. The song tackles the gaslighting that emerges during conflict, the specific the tension of a relationship nearing a breaking point where one person refuses to admit fault and the other is left feeling isolated and unheard. “How you just can’t confess that’s so unusual” and the shift in the second verse “how you might just confess” mark the turning point in the narrative, and Dekel articulates this well.
Dekel’s personal touch extends beyond the music itself. A perk of using Apple Music allowed me to see a section on his page showing an interview covering his top three favorite albums, a song he loves and what makes it special, memorable career moments, and a bucket list. It’s the kind of detail that makes you feel like you’re getting to know the person behind the project, not just the project itself. Dekel made me a fan of his work with his single alongside his other single “Stuck In A Coincidence” which was released June 11th.
Take a listen to “Unusual” below.
Written by Anthony Perez
