Ciel's 'SPiCE' Review: The UK's Cyberpunk Yardie Shifts Gears

Explore the electrifying world of Ciel's 'SPiCE,' where the Cyberpunk Yardie redefines UK trap music with a bold blend of genres.

Introduction to Ciel's Unique Sound

Just as the UK rap underground—once a haven for raw, unfiltered creativity—begins to grab the spotlight, another character emerges from the chaos. Meet Ciel, the 19-year-old “Cyberpunk Yardie” who's reprogramming the source code of trap music. With his breakout moment in 2023 marked by the release of his glitchy, genre-blurring tape ‘CIELMYRIAD’, Ciel introduced the world to his unique twist on dancehall, trap, and electronic music.

His second mixtape, ‘SPiCE’, is an audacious leap forward—louder, messier, and sexier than before. This vibrant record thrusts listeners headfirst into a rich soundscape filled with soundsystem meltdowns, bold punchlines, and unapologetic affirmations of self.

Exploring the Tracks

The mixtape kicks off with ‘Whine On Me’, a track that seamlessly blends chaotic bass and mind-bending synths, channeling the “wotless” vibe of Jamaican bashment parties while infusing it with modern trap's end-of-days anarchy. Ciel utilizes patois and references carnival culture while deftly flipping Vybz Kartel’s iconic “A-wuh” ad-lib, warping dancehall through an electrified trap lens.

This energy carries through to ‘Waxxon’, a club-ready anthem powered by jerk-inspired 808s, and into ‘Ransom’, where buzzing synths showcase Ciel’s boastful gyalist persona. Following that, ‘Long Islnd’ ties together Ciel’s strengths—his vocal dexterity, poetic hooks, and a spicy flow, highlighted by the line, “I been sipping on her body like Long Island.”

More Gems on SPiCE

There’s a trove of gold hidden within ‘SPiCE’. For instance, ‘Modafinil’ showcases Ciel’s self-production skills. It’s a triumphant flex about resilience where he confidently declares himself a “young, free, sexy, unstoppable and untouchable” underground star on the cusp of ascendance. With teasing lines such as, “Who am I, if I’m not outstanding?” and “What am I, if I’m not the baddest bitch on Earth?” he solidifies his standing in the scene.

Tracks like ‘Baby, I’m On Go’ and ‘Fly, It’s Us It’s We’ further highlight R&B influences, with the former featuring twinkling piano chimes that create a flirtatious ode to infatuation. The latter adopts the form of a trap-infused superhero’s heartfelt plea for his Mary Jane, culminating in a powerful finale.

The Stumbles

However, not everything hits the mark. At times, the mixtape veers into generic SoundCloud-era trap parody, particularly on ‘Butterflyz’. The track feels reminiscent of ‘Love Hurts’ by Playboi Carti and Travis Scott, with its soaring synths and lazy 808s hugging a predictable narrative about love.

Similarly, ‘What U Heard?’ plays into the Carti template, with a burgeoning computerized beat—complete with racing melodies—that feels like it could have been crafted by someone in the Opium label clan. The lyrics offer a clever twist, giving Ice Spice a run for her money: “Me and my brother, we shit and we— / Me and my brother the shit, and we poop.”

Final Thoughts on SPiCE

Despite the occasional misstep, when Ciel lands, he really lands. His ability to construct a world that feels distinctly his own makes ‘SPiCE’ a thrilling listen. The mixtape showcases just how much the UK underground scene stands to gain from his fearless experimentation. It’s loud, unbothered, and bursting with flavor. In an underground scene arguably better than ever (sorry grime purists), Ciel is shaping the future with his genre-defying sound, unapologetic energy, and magnetic authenticity.

Details

• Record Label: Nomad
• Release Date: April 11, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What genre is Ciel's music? Ciel blends elements from trap, dancehall, and electronic music, creating a unique sound.
• When was 'SPiCE' released? ‘SPiCE’ was released on April 11, 2025.
• Who is Ciel? Ciel is a 19-year-old London rapper known for his bold and innovative approach to music.
• What’s the standout track on 'SPiCE'? Many listeners find ‘Whine On Me’ and ‘Modafinil’ to be standout tracks due to their unique production and lyrical content.
• Where can I listen to Ciel's music? Ciel's music is available on various streaming platforms, including YouTube and Spotify.

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