While the COVID epidemic proved to be tragic and devastating in many ways, it can be argued that, through the isolation, creativity was at an all-time high. In these times, artists like Eric Doa, Kurtains, and particularly Glaive made their debuts into music, bringing the world the legendary genre known as hyperpop. While artists like 100 gecs and Charli XCX were founders of this sound, the movement truly started in teenagers’ bedrooms on Discord during a time of crisis and disparity.

Fast forward to today, hyperpop as a sound has died out for the most part, but primarily because the innovators in that particular space evolved into something bigger. Since his last album release, May It Never Falter, just about a year ago, Glaive has been selective with his releases. Most notably, in the months leading up to his recent album, Y’all, two singles titled “Asheville” and “Appalachia”, were released in July and August of this year. These songs gave fans a taste of Glaive’s polished approach to electronic music, which he had been experimenting with in his last album and the one before.

But this was all a segue into what I can confidently call some of Glaive’s most polished and important work ever. The album features 16 tracks that blend a mix of sounds and emotions, from the slow and sweet “Bluebirds,” “9,” and “i love you and it sounds stupid,” to the intense and entrancing “club-classics” vibes on “We Don’t Leave The House” and “Foreigner” (which both give what I initially called a “2hollis from the South” vibe, lol), all the way to songs that sit somewhere in the middle, like “Fuck” and “Mondafil” with Kurtains and Kai Angel.

Overall, Y’all is an extraordinary performance of Glaive’s ability to produce well-made and interesting music. And although his last album was great, this shows significant improvement and a hunger for growth. I truly believe there is something for everyone on this album, and the artistry is undeniable. It’s tough to say now, but this project may be the sleeper album of the year. Definitely check it out if you haven’t yet, it’ll hook you in and have you coming back for more.

Rating: 9/10