Spiderr

by Bladee

Released September 30, 2022 via YEAR0001

Reviewed October 16, 2022

Top tracks (based on community voting)

I AM SLOWLY BUT SURELY LOSING HOPE (49%), HAHAH (39%), ICARUS 3REESTYLE (30%), Velociraptor (30%)

Bladee, having long been a polarizing figure in the experimental hip-hop landscape, continues to forge a unique path towards expression with little regard for norms and commercial expectations. Spiderr is the eighth official album release by Drain Gang’s patriarch, and it extends itself in a logical progression from this year’s Crest (with Ecco2k) and last year’s The Fool. With each passing project it seems Bladee is rendering new gradients of his lo-fi cloud rap roots at work against increasingly futuristic and stimulating electronic production. Ecstasy, fantasy, and spirituality combine to create a thematic setting around Spiderr, though Bladee’s performances remain an acquired taste. Similarly to other Bladee products, his ability to produce hits consistently is dependent on catalyzing elements aside from his work on the mic: an exciting feature or an ear-grabbing instrumental is all-too-often the most memorable part of any good track. In conclusion, without the appreciation for Bladee’s distinctive traits and aesthetics, listeners are left with decent instrumental work supporting a peculiar singer/songwriter. – DeVán (6.5/10)

Community Reviews:

Bladee's music has changed plenty in the last two to three years, moving in a pop-inspired direction, which this album shows perfectly. The production by Whitearmor is as always incredible with a style that’s hard to even describe (maybe hyper pop?). Most songs are very catchy with great melodies and hooks, I think it’s a good album and I love the direction his music is heading. – @bxddddd (7.5/10)