Review: "Gut Punch" - Hayley Orrantia
- Alexa Leung
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
There isn’t anything out there like being in love. It’s great when it’s all working out in your favour, but what happens when you’re in love with somebody who isn’t with you? In Hayley Orrantia’s latest single “Gut Punch”, we’re treated to a hyperpop electronica track that highlights the feeling of realizing the person of your affections isn’t going to return them. This will be a fantastic song for those of you out there who love the sad-girl vibe, dancing the night away with tears in your eyes while you enjoy the amazing production behind a song that you can relate to. “Gut Punch” is filled with beautiful lyricism that will really bring you to the moment the narrator is struck with the knowledge that this love isn’t going anywhere. Jealousy and despair flirt with energetic beats in this addictive pop track.
I already knew I was going to love “Gut Punch” just by the title. It’s just such a visceral description for a feeling, and I love how evocative all the language in the track is. The narrator describes realizing that she isn’t the one her object of affections wants– “feels like a gut punch, I did it to myself”, Hayley sings, noting that this is on the narrator. Things like this always seem to hurt more when you know that it was your fault things ended up this way, hence that “gut punch” feeling. It’s hard, it’s violent, and it’s immediate. There’s many more lines in the track that evoke that same feeling, such as “shock to the system” and “fell hard, landed under your spell”. These are all things that can describe being in love, but also shock. I just love the duality of the lyrics, and then when you add that amazing electronica soundscape to the mix, you get this amazing blend of intricate lyricism and dance-pop. "Gut Punch" is definitely one of those songs that keeps you on your toes, always knowing that the next verse, chorus, or bridge is going to have you singing louder than the last.
Known for her role as “Erica Goldberg” in the ABC hit comedy The Goldbergs, Hayley Orrantia is a multifaceted artist who is no stranger to the world of music. Debuting in 2015 with her single “Love Sick”, she has since released many tracks to great success. Her debut EP The Way Out has notably charted in both the US and UK, as well as being featured on Spotify and Apple Music playlists. She was also the runner-up for Season 7 of the Masked Singer, disguised as the Ringmaster. With a soulful, expressive style and lyrics that transcend far past any defining notions of genre, audiences are entranced by her singular tracks. “Gut Punch” is Hayley’s newest single– if you enjoyed the sound, then consider checking out the rest of her discography! And don’t forget to drop her a follow while you’re at it!
Written By Alexa Leung
FOLLOW HAYLEY ORRANTIA:
