Why GUS’s New Single “Vivian” Is the Song That’s Been Missing From Your Summer

Summer soundtracks are usually predictable, but every once in a while, a song comes along that feels like it was written just for your specific brand of nostalgia. That’s exactly what GUS has pulled off with their latest single, “Vivian”

Fresh off the release of their new EP, First Times, “Vivian” is the kind of track you don’t just hear—you feel. It’s a hazy, rhythmic, and incredibly sharp slice of pop that’s already starting to dominate playlists, and for good reason.

More Than Just a Pop Song

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of over-produced radio hits, but GUS takes a different approach. The songwriting here is deliberate and intimate. When the track kicks off with that opening line—“On a long white bone of driftwood / I kissed you, listen to the waves”—it’s like you’re suddenly standing on the shore with them.

Produced by Joel Jones, the song manages to hit that “sweet spot” of production: it’s polished enough to sound massive in your headphones, but it keeps enough of that organic, raw edge to feel real. It doesn’t sound like it was manufactured in a boardroom; it sounds like a memory.

Why It’s Sticking

We’ve all got our “summer songs,” but “Vivian” earns its spot for a few key reasons:

• The Vibe: It bridges the gap between breezy, acoustic indie and modern pop hooks perfectly. It’s laid back but persistent.

• The Storytelling: GUS has a knack for capturing the “first time” feeling—that specific mix of nerves and excitement. It’s vulnerable, but it’s still an anthem you want to turn up loud.

• The EP Connection: As the anchor of the First Times EP, it ties the rest of the project together. If you like the way “Vivian” builds, the rest of the EP (including tracks like “Blood” and “Hands On Me”) is going to be right up your alley.

Catching Up with GUS

If you’ve been following GUS since Taller than the Trees (2024), you can really hear the evolution here. The artist has clearly been honing their craft, moving toward a sound that feels more defined and confident than ever. They’ve managed to take the introspective style that made their early fans fall in love and wrap it in a sound that feels ready for much bigger stages.