At just 16, Alexander O’ Connor began working on his first self-produced album “Bcos U Will Never B Free,” using his distinctive use of synths and beats to produce melancholic tunes. The young teenager began to fall in love with the idea of expressing several emotional states through every new sound––and gradually began to build his brand through his stage alias: Rex Orange County.
A year later after the album’s release on November 7, 2016, alternative singles such as “Sunflower,” “Loving Is Easy,” and “Best Friend” made their way into several playlists. Each song allured the young demographic through its aesthetic play on the jazz, pop, and even indie genre.
However, the artist’s largest wave of support soon came around the release of his “Apricot Princess” album on April 26, 2017. The ten tracks each entail personal lyrics which explore the beauty of young romance and the eventual sorrow that comes with losing a lover.
Rex even made an appearance on the “Flower Boy” album months later, collaborating with famous artist Tyler, the Creator, who came across his unique work on the Soundcloud platform. The song is called “Boredom,” and served as the opening track for the album which debuted number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 charts that same year.
For several months though, Rex stepped away from the music industry. Many were left questioning if there would even be any upcoming album.
But once the official album name and release date surfaced on Twitter, supporters began to count down the days.
After teasing fans with singles such as “10/10,” “Face to Face,” and “Pluto Projector” over the past few months, Rex Orange County has now officially returned from his two-year hiatus.
“Pony,” the artist’s long awaited album, was released on October 25, 2019.
In the 33-minute long album, Rex compiles his usual electric piano with bells, strings, and orchestral sounds to compose a story addressing the most difficult chapter of his life. Through his lyricism, he sings of his emotional weight, internal feeling of isolation, and crisis with his own personal identity.
The album is simply the epitome of human vulnerability.
The pre-released single “10/10” serves as the introduction to the ten tracks––hence the name “10/10.” However, it also serves as the first song in which he gradually begins to open up to listeners. He sings, “I had a year that nearly sent me off the edge / I feel like a five / I can’t pretend / But if I get my **** together this year / Maybe I’ll be a ten.”
Rex reflects on the past year and the toll it has taken on not only his creative productivity, but his own self-esteem. The feeling of being suppressed by one’s own thoughts of inadequacy is almost inevitable for a 21-year old facing expectations from everyone around him.
“Always” is the artist’s first step towards seeking emotional relief. He claims that although the journey towards reaching this goal may be difficult, it can essentially be fulfilled by simply acknowledging that one may need help.
“And carrying on is easier said than done, It took a while to see that I was in need of help from somebody else, but she keeps reminding me that I’m not the only one.”
The third track, “Laser Lights,” connects with the fifth track, “Stressed Out,” and sheds light on the deprecating and cynical voice in the back of Rex’s head on a daily basis.
He admits that it has become arduous to depend on anyone else except himself and his partner, as everyone has turned their back on him when he needed them the most. Both stand as the shortest songs off of the album, yet their conversational tone forms a genuine connection between the artist and listener.
On “Stressed Out” he sings, “They wanna see me stressed out every day, I know it. They wanna lie and still be friends.”
In between the similar tracks is “Face to Face,” which speaks upon coming “face to face” with time itself, and its power to slowly uncover life’s hidden truths as we continue to grow up.
“This song is about being away from home, feeling trapped in an undesirable situation, and finding it difficult to trust people,” said Rex on an Instagram post the day of the song’s release.
The album continues with “Never Had The Balls” –– a light-hearted, hopeful song with an upbeat pop melody playing in the background. Rex reveals a newer version of himself, looking back on his past habits and decisions.
Throughout the song, he tells of his regret for wasting time feeling trapped within his pessimistic subconscious. He sings, “If that had to be the way I’d be feeling for days, and I knew it back then, I probably wouldn’t do it.”
“Pluto Projector,” which was also previously released, holds Rex’s concern for the future of himself, his career, and his relationship. He only hopes he will truly understand the significance behind life’s occurrences once he is “old enough to understand.”
The mellow tune holds lyrics that are also devoted to Rex’s beloved partner, Thea, who has supported him unconditionally through every rough patch. The couple’s anniversary is coincidentally on November 1st, and there is no doubt the artist suddenly released the album as an early token of gratitude.
He sings, “Spending the years together / Growing older every day (Every day) / I feel at home when I’m around you / And I’ll gladly say again / I hope the encore lasts forever.”
Rex uses the recurring motif of an “encore” to compare the awe-inspiring feeling of performing on stage to the honeymoon-like feeling of his relationship –– and how he never wants it to end.
The crescendo of the orchestral ending in “Pluto Projector” serves as the ideal transition for “Every Way,” which seems like a small apology note for both his fans and loved ones.
“I’m sorry for the strain, No one prepares you for the way in which things change, But you’ve been amazing, saw me through my darkest stage.”
Despite the emotional rollercoaster one goes through with the previous tracks, both “It Gets Better” and “It’s Not the Same Anymore” end the album on a more optimistic note.
One track carries the repeated message of our current mentally suffering generation: “It always gets better.” It also gives a big “thank you” to all those who were patient enough to stand by the artist during his dark phase.
The concluding track once again speaks of life’s previous simplicity, yet how it has changed drastically for the better. The symphony throughout the song’s bridge accompanies Rex’s final declaration of emotional strength.
He ends with, “It’s up to me, no one else, I’m doing this for myself, It’s not the same anymore, It’s better.”
With the success of his new album, and his recent tour announcement, Rex is currently selling out the biggest venues he’s ever had. On the same day of the album’s release, he took to Twitter and Instagram to express his gratitude towards the overwhelming support.
“As I’m writing this, I’m finding it very difficult not to cry. Wanted to say thank you. Thank you for caring about me, being patient, and sticking around… This album will change my life. I can’t wait to see you and sing it with you. Whoever you are, wherever you are, thank you for everything.”
