Detune by Gum: A Vaporwave Journey That Sticks With You
Alright, so let’s talk about Detune by Gum. This 2019 release from the US under FOTOSHOPPE CO is a solid entry in the vaporwave scene—chill, nostalgic, and just weird enough to keep you coming back for more. If you’re into electronic music with that dreamy, glitchy vibe, this one’s worth your time.
The album kicks off with “Intro,” which sets the mood right away. It’s short but kinda eerie, like walking into an abandoned mall at sunset. The synths feel distant, almost like they’re calling out to you from another dimension. Then there’s “Respirate (Ft. Clue),” and man, this track? It’s stuck in my head for days. There’s something hypnotic about the beat—it’s slow, steady, but layered with these little details that make it pop. Clue’s vocals add this ethereal touch, like whispers floating through fog. Honestly, every time I hear it, I zone out completely. Perfect for late-night drives or zoning out when life gets too loud.
Another standout is “Highschool.” Yeah, yeah, I know—it sounds like a cheesy title, but trust me, it works. The track feels like stepping back into those awkward teenage years, full of longing and half-forgotten memories. The melody loops around itself, building this bittersweet vibe that hits different depending on your mood. Some days it feels wistful; other days, it’s straight-up melancholy. Either way, it sticks with you.
Other tracks like “Lost” and “Omber (Ft. Vero)” round things out nicely, keeping the energy flowing without overstaying their welcome. And can we appreciate how smooth the transitions are? Gum clearly knows how to craft an album that feels cohesive instead of just throwing together random beats.
Now here’s the thing—I wasn’t expecting much when I first hit play. Vaporwave can sometimes lean too hard into irony or nostalgia bait, but Detune avoids that trap. It feels personal, like Gum poured real emotion into these tracks rather than just copying old internet aesthetics. Sure, some songs blend together if you’re not paying attention, but isn’t that kinda the point of vaporwave anyway?
Anyway, wrapping this up—listening to Detune feels like flipping through someone’s photo album from the early 2000s. Familiar yet distant, comforting yet strange. Oh, and fun fact: after finishing the album, I realized I’d been sitting in the dark for like 45 minutes. Not sure what that says about me, but hey, maybe it’ll do the same to you. Give it a spin—you might end up lost in its haze too.
