Friday 1/15: Blimpee—"Cruciflex"
Today, we share our thoughts on a song from a little-known hyperpop artist named Blimpee.
Welcome to Endless Scroll, the brainchild of Eli Enis (he/him) and Eric Bennett (they/them). Since Feb. 2019, we’ve been a weekly podcast about music, the internet, and where those two things intersect. Now we’re, also a M-F newsletter about songs. Our format is simple: a link to a song and a short take from each of us about what we think of it. Each day of the week has a corresponding genre: Monday is indie, Tuesday is punk, Wednesday is hip-hop, Thursday is pop, and Friday is misc.
Today, we share our thoughts on a song from a little-known hyperpop artist named Blimpee.
Blimpee—"Cruciflex"
Eric Bennett:
“Like my bible belt? It’s Dior,” is the opening line of this song, but those words could genuinely be pulled from any number of pop songs from the last few decades. One of my favorites, though admittedly silly, tropes in pop music is the appropriation of religious iconography. From the “Like a Prayer” video to Lady Gaga’s first real misstep, “Judas,” the precedent is strong. “Cruciflex” sounds nothing like either song, and I have no idea if Blimpee has any attachment to them, but I can’t help but see them in this. It’s verses feel to me, a queer person with some low opinions on Christianity, like delicious rebellion. The idea of someone viewed as another by this towering organization, leaning into what they are impugned as—as if to taunt. While writing this, I read about the creation of Blimpee the character in this enlightening interview in Ringtone Mag. It’s well worth your time. I’ll also say, it’s an incredible song. The fluctuating synths are mesmerizing, and the intense confidence in Blimpee’s vocals makes you step back and take everything in. I’ll be coming back to this one, and can’t wait to see where this project moves next.
Eli Enis:
As Blimpee mentioned in that interview, his hyperpop influences come from the PC Music camp: A.G. Cook, Sophie, Charli XCX, and GFOTY. All of those artists can be heard in his July single “Cruciflex”, which puts the foreboding whisper-vocals of Shygirl over a playful instrumental. I’m not 100% sold on Blimpee’s lyrics or singing here, but his production is incredible. The gooey synth arpeggio at the end of the track is melodically genius and his sound design is terrific. I think the instrumental peaks are the parts that set off alarms when I first heard this track, but I’m definitely interested to hear more from Blimpee as he develops the character and this sound.