Lil Peep returns with a new single, “Avoid,” assisted by Wicca Phase Springs Eternal and DØVES.  The results are very emo, and ‘meh’ at best.

20-year old rapper-singer Lil Peep (born Gustav Åhr) is quite an interesting guy. He’s interesting in regards to his background, personality, and his abundance of body ink. On August 15, he dropped a seven-track project, Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1, his first of note.  Ultimately, it was a perplexing effort that had its share of interesting moments.  The same can be said of Peep’s new single, “Avoid,” featuring Wicca Phase Springs Eternal and DØVES.  The vibe and sound itself is interesting, while the song is…just odd.

Like the songs on Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1, the production employs a rock-oriented sound.  Given the vibes of Lil Peep and this particular song, the sound is fitting.  Wicca Phase Springs Eternal kicks things off on the first verse, later also singing on the second verse.  The results are off-putting.  The emo feel is clearly in play, with dark, moody vocals to accompany equally dark, moody lyrics.  Are the vocals remarkable? No.

Lil Peep doesn’t arrive until chorus. Actually, the chorus is his only contribution to a song of which he’s credited as the lead artist.  This is odd in itself, but we must remember, Peep is doing his own thing, as are his friends here.  What we mainly get out of the artist is that (1) “You can’t avoid” GothBoi, and (2) he “numbs it [pain] with the drugs.” EMO.  DØVES contributes a little on the first verse, with an expanded role on the second.  On the third, Doves is the star.  Like Wicca Phase Springs Eternal and Peep, he offers more of the same.  EMO DARKNESS.

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Avoid” is polarizing – it’s a ‘hate it’ or ‘love it’ sort of cut.  Personally, this isn’t my cup of tea.  The emo vibes are clear as day, one of the pros.  But the song itself and the performances are meh at best.  Even though it’s a reasonable length on paper at four minutes, it feels as if it’s never going to end.

Lil Peep • Avoid (Ft. Wicca Phase Springs Eternal & DØVES) – Single • Lil Peep • Release: 10.13.17

Photo Credit: Lil Peep