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Eversince
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| Eversince | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 25 May 2016 | |||
| Length | 39:29 | |||
| Label | Year0001 | |||
| Producer | Whitearmor | |||
| Bladee chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Eversince | ||||
| ||||
Eversince is the debut studio album by the Swedish rapper Bladee, released on 25 May 2016, through Year0001. A key figure in the Swedish hip-hop scene and a co-founder of the collective Drain Gang, Bladee was mainly known for his collaborations with Yung Lean during the flourishing cloud rap scene in the mid-2010s. The album was produced by Whitearmor with additional production from Ripsquadd and Hitkidd. It is made up of a variety of genres and a mix of styles. Eversince received a positive review from the Nordic magazine Gaffa, who believed it allowed Bladee to come into his own.
Background and composition
[edit]Bladee has been making music since age 11. He and his childhood best friend Ecco2K created a punk band, which was disbanded as the two got older. When he began an interest in graffiti, he met Thaiboy Digital and Whitearmor. The three formed the collective that ended up being Drain Gang. They later met Yung Lean and Yung Sherman of Sad Boys, a collective making similar music to Drain Gang.[1] After releasing his debut mixtape Gluee in 2014,[1] Bladee became a key figure in Swedish hip-hop and established a reputation for himself alongside Yung Lean in Stockholm's flourishing cloud rap scene during the mid-2010s.[2] When making the album, Bladee would think of lyrics in his head and then write them down.[1] It was entirely produced by Whitearmor.[3]
Craig Jenkins of Vice called Eversince "a strange amalgam of modern rap, R&B, gothic, new wave, and electronic music". He further wrote that Whitearmor's production evokes "shimmering crystal palaces and stark glacial landscapes". He described the tracks "Romeo" and "Xd Out" as "breakup anthem[s]".[4] Complex's Joe Price said Bladee's music "sits somewhere between Future and the Cure" and called it "a complete mix of styles far and wide", including inspirations of J-pop and Elliott Smith.[3] Cassidy George from 032c said the album "sounds like fragile masculinity in the throes of a millennial crisis".[5] For Gaffa, Jonathan Eklund called Whitearmor's production electronic and euphoric. He described the opening track "Who Goes There" as "drug-loving"[a] and "Sugar" as a "real hit song".[6][b] The Fader's Duncan Cooper thought that "Lovenote" and "Wrist Cry" had more aggressive instrumentals, and described "Xd Out" and the closing track "Skin" as ballads.[7] Writing for the same magazine, Jack Angell described Eversince as "frostbitten futurism", and thought the lyric "R.I.P. my hopes and dreams, I don't wanna wake up" in the song "Rip" "leaned into deeply depressive territory".[1]
Release and reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Gaffa |   [6] |
Eversince's lead single "Missing Person" was released on 17 November 2015, on SoundCloud.[8] It was followed by "Who Goes There" on 18 May 2016.[9] The album was released on 25 May 2016, through Year0001.[7] Following its release, Eklund called Eversince a "brilliant debut"[c] that sees Bladee "stepping out of Yung Lean's shadow".[6][d] Price wrote that Eversince is "by far his most consistent project to date" and that "Bladee's songwriting craft is the best it's ever been".[3] Retrospectively, many fans have declared it as Bladee's masterpiece.[5]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Benjamin Reichwald and Ludwig Rosenberg, except where noted. All tracks are produced by Whitearmor.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Who Goes There" | 3:09 | |
| 2. | "So What" (featuring Ecco2K) |
| 3:19 |
| 3. | "Lovenote" | 3:15 | |
| 4. | "Missing Person" | 3:19 | |
| 5. | "Romeo" | 2:51 | |
| 6. | "Xd Out" | 3:36 | |
| 7. | "Sick" | 3:00 | |
| 8. | "Rip" | 2:55 | |
| 9. | "Bloodveil / Stillborn" (featuring Ecco2k) |
| 3:30 |
| 10. | "Sugar" |
| 3:06 |
| 11. | "Wrist Cry" |
| 3:54 |
| 12. | "Skin" | 3:35 | |
| Total length: | 39:29 | ||
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the Year0001 website.[10]
- Whitearmor – production
- Ripsquad – additional production
- Hitkidd – additional production
- Zak Arogundade – art direction, photography
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label | Edition | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 25 May 2016 | Year0001 | Original | [11] | |
| Sweden | 2019 | Reissue | [12] | ||
| United States | 26 May 2022 | LP | [13] | ||
| Europe | 13 October 2023 | [14] |
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Angell, Jack (17 September 2019). "Being Bladee: In a rare interview, the Drain Gang CEO opens up about the distinctive world he's created". The Fader. Archived from the original on 20 September 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
- ^ Crone, David. "Bladee Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 29 December 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
- ^ a b c Price, Joe (25 May 2016). "Stream Bladee's Debut Album Eversince". Complex. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
- ^ Jenkins, Craig (May 25, 2016). "Stream Yung Lean Associate Bladee's Chilly, Gorgeous Debut Album Eversince". Vice. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
- ^ a b George, Cassidy (4 May 2023). "Drain Gang". 032c. Archived from the original on 4 May 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
- ^ a b c Eklund, Jonathan (June 5, 2016). "Kliver ur Yung Leans skugga med briljant debut" [Steps out of Yung Lean's shadow with a brilliant debut]. Gaffa (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 14 September 2018. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
- ^ a b Cooper, Duncan (25 May 2016). "Hear Swedish Sing-Rapper Bladee's Debut Album Eversince". The Fader. Archived from the original on 29 May 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
- ^ "Stream bladee- missing person by drain gang". SoundCloud. 17 November 2015. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ^ "Who Goes There - Single - Album by Bladee". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ^ "Bladee - Eversince". Year0001. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
- ^ "Eversince - Album by Bladee". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
- ^ Eversince (CD booklet). Bladee. Sweden: Year0001. 2019. YR0014CD.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Eversince (LP). Bladee. Sweden: Year0001. 2022. YR0014LP.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Eversince (LP). Bladee. Sweden: Year0001. 2023. YR0014LP.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
Eversince
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Background and Development
Bladee's Early Influences
Benjamin Reichwald, professionally known as Bladee, was born on April 9, 1994, in Stockholm, Sweden, where he grew up in a shy teenager immersed in the city's underground subcultures. From an early age, he was drawn to punk rock, forming a band in his youth, and graffiti art, which served as initial creative outlets for self-expression and rebellion. These influences shaped his aesthetic sensibilities, emphasizing raw energy and visual disruption, with one notable early experience involving a police encounter after being caught tagging, where officers warned him of the dangers through videos of train accidents involving vandals.[8] Bladee's entry into music occurred in his late teens, around 2011 (age 17), when he began experimenting with sounds amid the vibrant hip-hop and electronic scenes emerging online. Inspired by American cloud rap pioneers like Lil B—whose quirky "weird Twitter" persona and freestyles captivated him—along with Chief Keef's gritty Back from the Dead mixtape, Soulja Boy's viral energy, and Riff Raff's eccentric flows, he started recording based freestyles with friends while experimenting with weed. His initial productions incorporated electronic elements, including trance beats, J-pop melodies, Eurodance rhythms, and IDM's glitchy textures, blending them into lo-fi hip-hop tracks.[8][9] A pivotal early experience came in the early 2010s when Bladee co-founded the Gravity Boys collective (later evolving into Drain Gang) with Ecco2k, Thaiboy Digital, and Whitearmor. This group collaborated closely with Yung Lean's Sad Boys collective, diverging from the more traditional Swedish rap scene by prioritizing melodic, emo-infused cloud rap aesthetics. This partnership led to foundational releases like the 2013 Gravity Boys compilation GTBSG, a raw mixtape featuring freestyles and beats from Bladee, Ecco2k, Thaiboy Digital, and producers Yung Sherman and Whitearmor, evoking a nostalgic, despair-laden vibe akin to 1990s hip-hop mixed with internet-era experimentation. Follow-up efforts, such as his 2014 debut mixtape Gluee, further showcased his evolving style with abstract lyrics on themes like magic and isolation, solidifying his role in the underground SoundCloud rap movement.[8][10][11] This period marked Bladee's artistic evolution from localized Swedish influences—rooted in punk's DIY ethos and graffiti's visual rebellion—to a broader, globally resonant identity, incorporating anime, Norse mythology, and digital surrealism into his hip-hop framework. The underground scene's constraints pushed him toward innovative online distribution, transforming personal experiments into a distinctive voice that bridged electronic experimentation with rap's emotional core, laying the groundwork for future collaborative shifts like the formation of Drain Gang.[8]Formation of Drain Gang and Pre-Album Work
Drain Gang was formed in 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden, by Benjamin Reichwald (Bladee), Zak Ayalon (Ecco2k), Thanapon Mali (Thaiboy Digital), and producer Jonas Matsson (Whitearmor), marking a pivotal collaboration in the local hip-hop landscape.[12] The collective evolved from the earlier artistic group Smög Boys, established in 2011, and emphasized a DIY ethos through self-produced tracks shared freely on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube.[12] This approach allowed them to cultivate a dedicated following in Stockholm's underground scene, where they intertwined with overlapping collectives like Sad Boys, fostering cross-pollination in the city's emergent cloud rap and trap environment.[12] The group's early aesthetic drew from drill and trap influences, characterized by hazy, atmospheric production and introspective lyrics that blended melancholy with surreal imagery, often visualized in lo-fi videos and custom artwork created by members like Ecco2k.[12] One of the group's inaugural releases under the name Gravity Boys (later Drain Gang), the GTBSG Compilation mixtape, dropped on August 12, 2013, as a 12-track free download that showcased raw collaborations among the core members, including features from affiliates like Yung Lean.[13] Tracks such as "Bladeecity" and "Diamonds" highlighted their experimental edge, merging distorted beats with emotive flows and establishing Drain Gang's signature sound within the underground circuit.[13] These pre-album efforts laid the groundwork for Drain Gang's trajectory, with the formation of the Year0001 label in 2015 by associates Oskar Ekman and Emilio Fagone providing an independent infrastructure that aligned with their DIY principles and directed their output toward more polished yet autonomous releases. Following the 2014 release of Bladee's debut mixtape Gluee, the collective's momentum under Year0001 facilitated the development of Eversince, with production primarily handled by Whitearmor starting around 2015.[14] By channeling their underground momentum through Year0001, the collective transitioned from ad-hoc mixtapes to structured projects, influencing the conceptual and visual cohesion that would define subsequent works like Bladee's Eversince.[14]Composition and Production
Musical Style and Genre Influences
Eversince represents a fusion of cloud rap, emo rap, R&B, gothic elements, new wave, and electronic music, creating a distinctive sonic palette that blends introspective lyricism with atmospheric production. Critics have described the album as a "strange amalgam of modern rap, R&B, gothic, new wave, and electronic music," highlighting its eclectic genre-blending that evokes shimmering crystal palaces and stark glacial landscapes. This mixture is evident in tracks like "Xd Out," which draws on Cure-influenced new wave, and others reminiscent of Depeche Mode or Japan's "Ghosts" with a lean toward trap influences. The album's cloud rap foundations are infused with emo rap's emotional vulnerability through bittersweet Auto-Tune vocals, marking a pivotal evolution in the Drain Gang collective's aesthetic of detached melancholy.[15][16] The production, handled almost entirely by Whitearmor, plays a central role in shaping the album's dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes, characterized by minimalistic beats that alternate between stripped-down ballads and more aggressive, monumental constructions. Whitearmor's contributions emphasize precision and emotional depth, crafting "arctic sparkle" that complements Bladee's ethereal, Auto-Tuned rap-singing, which shifts from hedonistic doldrums to existential crisis. This approach results in a chilly, gorgeous ambiance that prioritizes space and texture over dense layering, as seen in the ambient art pop and new wave backdrops supporting Bladee's alien, detached persona.[8][16][6] Compared to Bladee's earlier mixtapes like Gluee (2014), which leaned into rawer internet rap, Eversince signals a stylistic shift toward more ethereal vocals and minimalistic beats, incorporating trance-like elements and influences from artists such as Chief Keef, James Ferraro, and Elliott Smith to deepen its melancholic, sing-song delivery. This evolution transforms Bladee's sound from straightforward cloud rap into a mystic, genre-fluid expression steeped in Norse mythology and anime-inspired melodrama, emphasizing atmospheric introspection over earlier aggression.[8]Recording and Production Process
The recording and production of Eversince occurred primarily in Stockholm, Sweden, the hometown and creative hub for Bladee and his Drain Gang collaborators.[16] Sessions took place in the lead-up to the album's release on May 25, 2016, emphasizing close-knit collaboration among Drain Gang members, including early freestyling exercises that evolved into structured recordings.[8] Whitearmor served as the primary producer, crafting the bulk of the beats for the album's 12 tracks with his characteristic icy, synth-driven soundscapes that blend trap rhythms and ambient elements.[17] Additional production input came from Ripsquadd on the track "Sugar" and Hitkidd on "Wrist Cry," contributing distinct flourishes to those selections while maintaining the cohesive aesthetic.[17] This division allowed for focused beat construction, where Whitearmor layered ethereal synths and minimal percussion to evoke a "frostbitten futurism."[18] Bladee's vocals were recorded in intimate studio environments, often over completed instrumentals, with lyrics developed spontaneously or pre-written to capture introspective themes.[18] The production process highlighted unique vocal layering techniques, incorporating Auto-Tune for a melodic, detached rap-sing delivery, alongside adlibs and background harmonies to add ethereal depth and spatial texture across the tracks.[8] This approach, honed through Drain Gang's iterative sessions, resulted in the album's signature otherworldly polish without extensive post-production overhauls.[18]Release and Promotion
Singles and Marketing
The promotion of Bladee's debut studio album Eversince began with the release of its lead singles through the Year0001 label, emphasizing the collective's signature ethereal and introspective aesthetic. The first single, "Missing Person," was released exclusively on SoundCloud and YouTube on November 17, 2015, produced by Whitearmor and featuring Bladee's signature auto-tuned vocals over ambient, cloud rap production.[19] This track served as an early indicator of the album's thematic depth, exploring isolation and emotional detachment, and quickly garnered attention within online rap communities.[20] Following a period of anticipation built through subtle social media teasers on platforms like Instagram and Vine dating back to 2014, the second single "Who Goes There" dropped on May 17, 2016, accompanied by a music video directed by Ecco2K.[17] Released under Year0001 (catalog YR0013), it amplified the buzz with its haunting visuals and reinforced Drain Gang's collaborative mystique.[21] Year0001's marketing strategy for Eversince leaned heavily on the label's independent ethos and Drain Gang's enigmatic online presence, fostering organic growth in underground circles rather than mainstream advertising. Visual elements were central, with the album's cover art designed by Ecco2K in a stylized format resembling a Xanax package insert, incorporating fan art by Anastasia Shpakova to evoke a sense of pharmaceutical escapism tied to the album's mood.[17] Promotion included limited previews via Drain Gang's Tumblr, where the full tracklist and release date were revealed on May 17, 2016, alongside announcements in the description of Bladee's "Like a Virgin" music video on January 20, 2016.[17] Social media engagement was key, with cryptic posts and interactions on Instagram and Tumblr cultivating an aura of exclusivity and intrigue around Drain Gang's interconnected projects, driving word-of-mouth in niche online forums and SoundCloud communities.[22] Post-single efforts extended the campaign through merchandise drops, such as the Eversince apparel line launched on July 25, 2016, which featured label-branded items aligning with the group's fashion-forward identity.[17] This tactic, combined with the singles' streaming availability, helped sustain momentum leading into the album's full release, emphasizing Year0001's role as a creative incubator for Drain Gang's multimedia output.[23]Album Release and Formats
Eversince was initially released digitally on May 25, 2016, through the independent label Year0001, marking Bladee's debut solo studio album.[17] The digital version consisted of 12 tracks available as MP3 files at 320 kbps, distributed primarily via streaming platforms such as SoundCloud and other services accessible through a dedicated release link.[24][16] Physical formats were released later as reissues under the Year0001 catalog number YR0014, including a slipcase CD edition (YR0014CD) in 2019 and limited-edition vinyl pressings (YR0014LP): blue vinyl in the US in 2022 and white 140g 12-inch vinyl in Europe in 2023. The CD came in a slipcase designed to resemble a pharmaceutical insert. Artwork for these formats was created by Ecco2K, incorporating a fan-art sketch of Bladee by Anastasia Shpakova and styled as a Xanax package insert, complete with the album name, tracklist, website, and ISRC codes; it was first revealed on May 17, 2016, via the Drain Gang Tumblr.[17][25][24] Initial distribution emphasized digital accessibility on major streaming platforms alongside availability through independent retailers for physical copies, building on the promotional singles "Who Goes There" and "Missing Person".[17][16]Reception and Legacy
Critical Reception
Upon its release in 2016, Eversince received positive critical acclaim, particularly for marking Bladee's emergence as a distinct artist beyond his association with Yung Lean. The Nordic music magazine Gaffa described it as a "brilliant debut" that allowed Bladee to step out of Yung Lean's shadow, praising his ability to establish a solo identity through introspective lyricism and atmospheric production.[26] Reviewers highlighted the album's innovative take on cloud rap, blending ethereal vocals, ambient pop influences, and crystalline beats to create a dystopian soundscape evocative of films like Blade Runner. Sputnikmusic awarded it a perfect 5/5 score, calling it a "watershed moment for alternative R&B" due to its creative execution and transcendence of traditional cloud rap conventions, with Whitearmor's production noted for its cold, unwelcoming yet poetic atmosphere.[6] The album's emotional depth was also a focal point, as critics appreciated Bladee's detached, alien persona exploring themes of drug use, hedonism, isolation, and generational apathy, delivered through monotone autotune that amplified feelings of introspection and lethargy.[6] In retrospective assessments in the late 2010s and 2020s, Eversince has been reevaluated as an underrated gem in Bladee's discography, with its cloud rap innovations and emotional resonance continuing to resonate. A 2019 piece in College Tribune lauded it as "2016's most underrated rap jam," emphasizing the seamless shifts in mood from energetic tracks to depressive ones, and Bladee's risk-taking blend of singing and rapping that fosters a uniquely intimate yet intangible emotional pull.[27] A 2025 Pitchfork cover story further highlighted its arctic production by Whitearmor and melancholic themes as foundational to Bladee's style.[8] These reviews underscore the album's lasting impact on experimental hip-hop, positioning it as a pivotal work in Drain Gang's evolution.Commercial Performance and Cultural Impact
Upon its release in 2016, Eversince garnered significant traction within underground music circles, particularly through streaming platforms where it amassed over 74 million plays on Spotify by late 2025, reflecting its enduring appeal in niche Swedish and international scenes.[28] While it did not achieve mainstream chart success on official lists like Sverigetopplistan, the album resonated in SoundCloud rap communities and early internet-driven playlists, establishing Bladee as a key figure in Sweden's experimental hip-hop landscape.[16] The album played a pivotal role in elevating Drain Gang's profile, solidifying the collective's signature sound of glitchy, ethereal production and introspective lyricism, which influenced subsequent projects by members like Ecco2K. Eversince's blend of cloud rap elements with emo-infused vulnerability helped evolve the genre toward more abstract, internet-native expressions, inspiring a wave of artists who incorporated similar dreamy aesthetics and auto-tuned detachment in their solo works.[8] This shift marked a departure from traditional cloud rap's lean-drenched minimalism, paving the way for Drain Gang's broader impact on mid-2010s to 2020s rap experimentation.[29] By the 2020s, Eversince had cemented its place in internet rap culture, fostering dedicated online communities that reinterpret its themes of existential isolation through memes and fan theories, often amplifying Bladee's shitposting style into broader "Drainer" lore across forums and social platforms.[8] Its influence extended to Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences, contributing to sold-out tours like the 2025 Cold Visions run, where fans engaged with the album's mystic vibe in live settings, underscoring its lasting resonance in digital-native rap subcultures.[8]Track Listing and Credits
Track Listing
All tracks on Eversince are written by Benjamin Reichwald (Bladee) and Ludwig Rosenberg (Whitearmor), with additional writing credits to Ecco2k on "So What" and "Bloodveil / Stillborn".[3][7]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Who Goes There" | 3:09 |
| 2 | "So What" (featuring Ecco2k) | 3:19 |
| 3 | "Lovenote" | 3:15 |
| 4 | "Missing Person" | 3:19 |
| 5 | "Romeo" | 2:51 |
| 6 | "Xd Out" | 3:36 |
| 7 | "Sick" | 3:00 |
| 8 | "RIP" | 2:55 |
| 9 | "Bloodveil / Stillborn" (featuring Ecco2k) | 3:30 |
| 10 | "Be Nice 2 Me" | 2:52 |
| 11 | "W1TCH" | 3:10 |
| 12 | "Eversince" | 2:49 |
Personnel
The production of Eversince was led by Whitearmor, who served as the primary producer and co-writer on the album's tracks.[31] Additional production credits went to Ripsquadd and Hitkidd on specific tracks.[32] Bladee handled lead vocals, songwriting, and typography design for the album.[1] Ecco2k contributed guest vocals on select tracks, in addition to serving as art director, front cover designer, and photographer.[31] Anastasia Shpakova provided uncredited portrait drawings for the artwork.[1] The album was released under the YEAR0001 label, associated with the Drain Gang collective.[3]Release History
| Date | Format | Label | Country | Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2016 | Digital (MP3, 320 kbps) | YEAR0001 | Sweden | YR0014 [24] |
| 2019 | CD (Reissue) | YEAR0001 | Sweden | YR0014CD [1] |
| 2022 | LP (Reissue, Blue) | YEAR0001 | US | YR0014LP [33] |
| October 9, 2023 | LP (Reissue, White) | YEAR0001 | Europe | YR0014LP [32] |