The hyperpop genre is becoming increasingly popular, especially in online circles, even going as far as to become a musical representation of the internet for some. blackwinterwells is one of these artists contributing to the modern landscape of the genre, collaborating with other artists in the community such as quinn, midwxst, 8485 and ericdoa. “Magician” is the continued development of an enthralling and invigorating sound by utilizing atmosphere, as well as a testament to winter’s abilities as an electronic musician.
“BEOWULF” is one of the most lyrically potent out of all the songs on “Magician.” Its emo poetry might tug at your heartstrings with its expression of negative emotions, or if you’ve grown apathetic, it all might seem cringeworthy. The album begins with the lyric, “No one ever lets me breathe / No one ever talks to me / I’m so tired of the silence” before the chorus of “I’m not scared.” It’s a comforting song about feeling alone but still being brave enough to go outside in the world and be yourself.
“marionette” sounds like “The Flag Is Raised” by fellow internet pop artists Bladee and Ecco2K with cute-sounding synths. Don’t let that distract from the song’s lyrics about toxicity, however. The lyrics promote a lot of mixed signals about where the relationship will go and just how manipulative and malicious blackwinterwells is being, taking advantage of this potential love interest.
The lyrics “Every time I give up, after the slightest bit of push-back / I leave you in the dark, disappear and never come back” from the beginning of the song and “I just want to make you smile / And you want to become someone else / And I want to turn you into something else / I’ll mold you / I can make you be like me / And then you’ll understand me / And the world will understand you” feeds the imagination for a possibility that winter is singing about her ideal non-existent partner that she wants to create. Other than that, her vocalizing with the synth solo is super cute.
“communion” is a song expressing a desire for someone else to a toxic extent as highlighted by the lyric “You taste too sweet.” “marionette” could potentially be about a fictional love interest, but the status of this song’s subject is questionable.
“b my gir x3” is a chiptune-inspired song about begging for someone to stay in a relationship or else winter will break to pieces. Her singing “gir” instead of “girl” may be a reference to the character Gir from the 2001 Nickelodeon cartoon “Invader Zim,” which would be cute if so, just like the chiptune synths.
“pretty boy” sounds reminiscent of the witch house genre with the blaring synths and kick drum in the chorus. It’s heavier than usual for winter’s work, and interesting at that.
“EYE4NEYE” is similar to a drum and bass song, and the choir and strings make the song even more cinematic. This song’s production could possibly even be used in a dramatic action movie. The screaming is heart-wrenchingly beautiful and an excellent touch to the song.
“perish song” is so incredibly beautiful, though a bit dismal, largely in part due to the atmosphere. The vocals are enhanced by how airy the entire song sounds.
“SANDS” is indubitably the most “internet” out of all the songs on this project. Sampling “sans.” from Toby Fox’s 2015 role-playing game “Undertale” as well as Korean pop artist PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” then making the song dubstep and Jersey club-adjacent is definitely a winter thing to do. For example, in her past song, “IRIS,” she referenced a cheat code in games using the “Source” engine. The lyrics “So leave me, see if anyone cares / Doesn’t really change much ‘cause you weren’t really there” show a turning point in her thinking, reclaiming autonomy.
“feel like someone” is indicative of the bare minimum in a relationship, but it’s a sad reality how in some relationships people get degraded and dehumanized, clinging on to someone else in order to feel worth something. This song is such a simple way to express a healthy relationship that isn’t toxic.
“can i have you forever?” is a really cute and romantic song that, while simple, is very effective. The chiptune-like synths are the cherry on top for a love song for nerds. Judging from the previous songs, this could be a relapsing back into the co-dependent mindset, but it’s less toxic than it previously was.
“quit your job!!!!!” is a hedonistic banger and quite a way to end the album. The production is super fun and catchy to listen to with its dance-like synths. It doesn’t really fit with the rest of the songs’ themes, but it’s possible that this song can represent a metaphor for regaining control of your life in a relationship by dropping it like how one would drop a job — it feels risky at first, but it’s possible to rebuild. “The sun is in my hands, smell the roses, fucking dance” is such a striking lyric that shows how despite the previous co-dependence, it is possible to reclaim autonomy and enjoy life again.
Who knows what blackwinterwells was thinking when she was making this album? Nonetheless, I believe that this is her best work so far, as it’s lyrically heartfelt and well-produced. It tells a story of being co-dependent in the past but reclaiming autonomy in the present and future. There will likely be a struggle to maintain a healthy mindset, but recovery is still possible.
Rating: 4/5
I love blackwinterwells so much,could anybody ask for her whether she have decision on coming to “red book“ or any Chinese web to share her fascinating music.She has a large following in China. Any reply will be appreciated!