Continuing the narrative established by the previous five singles, rapper-producer CASISDEAD sounds more than ready to unleash his debut album, Famous Last Words, on the latest single and video, “Venom.”
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The London-based creative started his career rapping back in the early 2000s before going on a hiatus and reemerging as CASISDEAD, finding newfound recognition in the process. Under his new identity, he began wearing a mask for varying reasons, including protecting his anonymity.
On “Venom,” one part of a highly conceptual album, out Oct. 27 via XL Recordings, he shows off the full range of his talents, characterized by flashing lights and show-stopping songwriting.
With minimal production, “Venom” is characterized by its bouncy synth-driven beat and features bedroom pop musician Dora Jor on the chorus and bridge, singing from the perspective of the woman the song is about. However, it’s CASISDEAD who steals the show and tells the story at the heart of the song as if it were a blend between sci-fi fantasy and real-world experience.
In vivid detail, he describes an encounter between him and a woman whose intentions he’s unsure of. Despite mysterious circumstances, they decide to stay together, all while dropping one-liners such as “Can’t remember if she said she’s bi or bipolar” and “BM texting me all vexed, wants her pound of flesh” on the first and second verse.
In the music video, directed by CASISDEAD himself, three women run around and dance in a cyberpunk facility, à la Blade Runner, complete with neon lights and constant surveillance. Outside of the genuinely breathtaking set design, the visuals are straightforward and play off the single’s carefree attitude. Eventually, the three find a strange, green substance that they steal in hopes of selling for thousands, only to be stopped by a mysterious figure before they can leave.
“Venom” only offers a dose of what’s to come, considering Famous Last Words coming in at a whopping twenty-three tracks. Although many of those tracks are interludes featuring actors Ed Skrein and Emma Rigby narrating the progression of the album’s story, the staggering amount of material is nothing short of impressive. Though a long time coming, the album accounts for the lived-in futuristic world CASISDEAD has created and perfected.
Words: David Sosa
“Venom” by CASISDEAD is out on all streaming services. For more on new music and tickets to upcoming shows, follow him on Instagram, his album website, and his personal website.
