Audiopile Review: Over the past decade, few collectives have been as influential—or as polarizing—in modern hip-hop as Drain Gang. With a devoted online following, the Swedish outfit has pushed the boundaries of cloud rap, pop, and R&B. Two of the most prominent members, Bladee and Ecco2k, have each carved out their own lane: Bladee, the poster child for autotune-drenched cloud rap; and Ecco2k, an enigmatic presence whose sole album, E, remains a high watermark in the Drain Gang canon. Their collaborative effort here is an ethereal dreamscape packed with hypnotic repetition, bass-heavy euphoria, celestial melodies, and, surprisingly enough, spiritual themes. DG producer Whitearmor’s contributions here are key—his icy textures, shimmering synths, and internet-influenced sampling form a backdrop that feels both weightless and immersive. Bladee’s signature monotone delivery adds an amateurish cool, but it’s Ecco2k’s delicate vocals that steal the show, gliding through the mix with a light-footed and near-angelic presence. Those tapped into the current wave of futuristic pop production from the likes of A.G. Cook, Magdalena Bay, or recent releases from Ben Bondy will likely find something here to latch onto. There was no shortage of skepticism toward this strain of music when Yung Lean first donned his bucket hat back in 2013. But for those who stuck around, Crest serves as a turning point—an evolution that exemplified just how far the sound had come. For the uninitiated, it just might be the best entry point into their world.

“Crest” is the first collaborative album from Drain Gang members Bladee and Ecco2k, who between them have amassed over 10,000+ previous sales across both retail and D2C. The album features one of the duo’s most popular songs “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and will be pressed on vinyl for the first time for this release. Having charted on Spotify with release, Crest is a keystone title for both artists, and a physical release has been high on fan’s wish lists since release.