Artists like Caco tend to have a leg-up on their peers, simply by existing in a league of their own without competing with anyone else. If the only standards you have to live up to are your own, you can establish an effervescent superpower, boiling over with creativity. Caco has mastered the art of duality, allowing songs to exist separately and together. While many are keen on being “the next” whoever they idolize, Caco is jet-set on being one-of-a-kind. This explorative nature pours over into their latest effort, ‘Patchnotes EP 2.1 (Happy/Sad)’ without trying too hard to be “different” and instead embracing natural quirks to express their truth.

“All That I See Rev14 (ft. Wannyae)” is perhaps the best possible introduction to the ep, especially for those experiencing Caco’s sonic world for the first time. It is equally sensual and vulnerable, allowing listeners to give their meaning to the song without undermining Caco’s personal experience. Instrumentally, the track proves Caco’s prowess as an instrumentalist and producer. Their time spent practicing with other artists’ work has given them space to borrow instead of mimic. Artists who withstand the test of time tend to create a sound unlike anything you have ever heard before, and Caco is no exception to this phenomenon. Vocal layering and symphonic strings paired with a prolific horn section define the mix, profoundly pronouncing the EP’s mission. Incorporating jazzy, unexpected elements allows Caco to stick to its roots as it explores all that music offers as an artist.

Much of Caco’s production work tends to lean towards ethereal dreamscape territory, and “Del Mar County Fair 2008 Rev10” perfectly adheres to this phenomenon. Though Caco takes up much of the space within production credits, collaborative efforts apparently drove this EP home. That is the true spirit of DIY, after all, and nobody knows the DIY space better than Caco. “Del Mar County Fair 2008 Rev10” embodies the vulnerable, careful, and colorful world their music is meant to live in. Adding to their flare for contrast and duality, Caco introduces the follow-up track using curated autotuned vocals, affirming that such a tool is a choice versus a need or crutch. Truthfully, autotune upholds a tricky reputation; if more artists leaned towards the electronic, ebbing, and flowing with live guitar tracks, they could develop a mix that makes room for more emotive expression. This nostalgic song points at core memories, encouraging listeners to discover their meaning by reminiscing on what matters to them. Plus, the electric guitars near the song's build are otherworldly, adding a rock n’ roll outro that the song truly needed.

Similarly, “Dinner Party (Endless Apps) (ft. Simleo) Rev21” gives a jazzy, Tyler, The Creator-esque energy that leaves fans optimistic after about 3 minutes of groovy introspection. However, this number has an undertone of Gym Class Heroes; Caco has researched, enjoying many different sounds, which has manifested into a genuinely visionary approach. Calling back to artists like Gym Class Heroes would make sense for Caco; Travie McCoy and co. were once seen as underdogs in an already-established scene with rigid rules surrounding who could do what. However, just like Caco, they enlisted the help of trusted companions with expert ears to develop sonic bliss. Ironically, rock music was initially intended to think outside the box, using tools like electric guitars to tell deeply personal stories. “Dinner Party (Endless Apps) (ft. Simleo) Rev21” is about as rock n’ roll as it gets.

As the ep progresses, Caco grows more earnest, showcasing their innermost feelings in songs like “Jaded Rev7.” Lyrically, this is the most dense and impactful in the episode; Caco asserts that they are jaded after spending so much time surrounding themselves with DIY stars, including their own family. They feel “too young” to have this mindset, so they keep pushing forward. However, as an artist, this message is all too relatable. Even if you are not intentionally competing with anyone other than yourself, it is difficult not to see yourself in the eyes of your peers. They say comparison is the thief of joy, but Caco suggests they can use this energy as fuel despite setbacks. They are the farthest thing from a “one trick pony,” and this song not only features incredible production work (their signature), but it also proves their prowess as a lyricist. Truthfully, sometimes, it seems that Caco underestimates their lyrical ability. They are a phenomenal writer, with and without a beat to back them up; their verses and bars read like poetry without being superfluous.

GSM has explored Caco’s other body of work before; their participation in soul punk group Nightlife is essential for the band’s soundscape to thrive, and “Nightlifetypebeattypebeat Rev 18” is a fantastic callback to the soundscape they create with Nightlife. The funky electric guitar tones are unmistakable, quintessential elements of the funky, grooving group. Moreover, Caco borrows quite a bit from the 80’s in this mix. Some very audible callbacks to classic tricks used by the likes of Michael Jackson (pieces inspired by the ‘Off The Wall’ record) are instantly recognizable within this mix. These risky, experimental choices prove to be Caco’s bread and butter. They can exist within a modern audience’s typical comfort zone while keeping them interested, offering a new take on underutilized tools and tricks. It will always be possible to compare one artist to another. However, the most sincere call to authentic artistry is the ability to make these elements one’s own.

“This Way That Way/WWYHM Rev15 (ft. Worth)” is the catchiest song on the ep, with percussion elements driving each bar home. There are zero moments in the ep where Caco opts to use monotonous or repetitive stock drum beats, but the ingenuity employed in this song is particularly impressive. There is also a sample right around the middle of the song, adding more depth as the track gains momentum. Once again, it is evident that each collaborator was carefully curated for this project. It isn't easy to imagine a voice other than Worth on this song. Incorporating a guest vocalist provides an added perspective that gives audiences room to create their meaning within Caco’s songs.

Finally, “Zoomer Shoegaze Rev4” rounds out the ep, insinuating that Caco’s goal was experimentation. There are lots of neat 8-bit, video-gamey plugins available in Logic Pro and beyond, and these little notes add color to any producer’s mix if they dare try them out. The guitar work throughout this episode is phenomenal, and relying on electric guitar to close out this episode was a beautiful touch. Once again, it calls back to things Caco has learned by working with other artists. Of course, the song is also called “Zoomer Shoegaze,” so there’s that. The tones explored in this song are nicely layered, and I would love to see Caco’s pedalboard settings from these recordings. As Caco “logs off” before their inevitable next project drops, they leave audiences on a truly high note, giving them something to remember and look forward to.

Caco’s daring willingness to try what feels right to them is their most impressive quality as an artist. Of course, expertise and multiple practice hours certainly help, but nothing can replicate raw, undeniable passion for a craft. This EP is a major stepping stone for Caco; it is not only a mark of passionate dedication but also the sign of a future trailblazer who is sure to inspire others to avoid being “the next” anybody, instead opting to be the first of themselves.

The EP drops on Friday, June 21st! Pre-order by clicking HERE!