WICCA PHASE SPRINGS ETERNAL

If you weren't aware that Adam McIlwee from Tigers Jaw had an emo-inspired cloud rap project, it's ok, because neither did I. The music and the A E S T H E T I C that accompanies it and his collective GOTHBOICLIQUE is quite intriguing. Camcorder stills, black long sleeve tees, and familiar athletic brands are all staples of the health goth/vapor/cloud/arizona tea/sadboiwave culture that can be found on his tumblr. But I think what's unique to consider is that these are elements of health goth/cloud rap that are being transposed into the context of emo. These are two genres that actually compliment each other surprisingly well in terms of aesthetics and inspiration. However ironic it may or may not be, cloud rap can venture into some tear-stained territory (even if they're emoji tears), and obiously so does emo. McIlwee has a voice that sounds like he's constantly singing with a frown, and it works just as well as it did with Tigers Jaw as it does with WICCA PHASE. Some of the beats are rooted in melancholy guitar chords, like the track "I LOSE EVERYTHING," and some are much more hip hop, like the track "HOW COULD YOU NOT LIKE THAT," which bears resemblance to something Ratking would rap over (both those are off his latest mixtape, SECRET BOY). Now, I can't say I dig this music wholeheartedly. Some of it is pretty good, and some of it just feels too lazy and dull for my taste. His latest release is a peculiar one though; it's an A/B single titled SHE DOESN'T BELIEVE IN THELEMA, is a Brand New-inspired work comprised of two tracks that sample Devil and God cuts "Welcome to Bangkok" and "Untitled." I wouldn't say it's anything too great (especially not with a $7 price tag on Bandcamp), but it gets bonus points for creativity.