SPELLLING - Boys at School (Official Audio)

Boys at School from the album The Turning Wheel
Out Now on Sacred Bones Records
Purchase here: geni.us/TheTurningWheel
Red velvet curtains draw back to reveal a cosmic wheel of fortune, floating in the deep black star-studded theater of infinite space. A whirl of timbres, personalities, and stories. The Turning Wheel, the third full-length by the Bay Area artist SPELLLING (Chrystia Cabral), revolves around themes of human unity, the future, divine love and the enigmatic ups and downs of being a part of this carnival called life.
Venturing to push the boundaries of her primarily synth-based work, SPELLLING took on the ambitious task of orchestrating and self-producing an album that features an ensemble of 31 collaborating musicians. The Turning Wheel incorporates a vast range of rich acoustic sounds that cast SPELLLING’s work into vibrant new dimensions. The double LP is split into two halves - “Above” and “Below.” Lush string quartet shimmer combines with haunting banjo and wandering bassoon leads, as the album progresses from the more jubilant, warm, and dreamy mood of the “Above” tracks to the more chilling and gothic tone of the “Below” tracks. This progression is anchored by SPELLLING’s familiar bewitching vocal style that emphasizes the theatrical and folkloric heart of her songwriting.
The release of The Turning Wheel was delayed by almost a year from its intended release date in September 2020 but the forced pause ended up serving as a blessing in disguise. Navigating the chaos of recording and producing the remaining instrumentalists - either remotely or through rigid socially distanced studio sessions - was immensely difficult, however the delays ultimately opened up the opportunity for SPELLLING to dedicate more attention to her lyrics. The Turning Wheel demonstrates a distinct evolution of lyrical style, from the more incantatory and abbreviated approach of her previous work to a more expansive, narrative production.
The Turning Wheel is a manifestation of this considerable effort, time, and collaborative energy and will surely become a classic for its elegance. And while the artist’s eclectic influences, from soul to psych to pop to noise, remain present, something entirely new has also been born in the cosmic soup of this massive undertaking: a grand and genreless adventure. One that allows the artist’s authenticity to shine and also marks her as a conduit for something with a magic of its own.
SPELLLING’s previous bodies of work have earned her critical acclaim. Her 2017 debut Pantheon of Me was Bandcamp’s #4 Album of the Year and they raved: “Cabral has it, from her careful sense of composition to her charismatic presence to her ability to communicate with her music straight through to the listener’s heart.” Her first release on Sacred Bones, the Hard to Please single, was named a Best Track by The Guardian, who said the song was “like Solange looking in a haunted mirror.” Her second full length Mazy Fly saw great support from the likes of Pitchfork (“it’s the sound of an artist’s vision sharpening, pointing outward.”), Stereogum (“It’s a gorgeous and evocative and provocative record, and it points to a future where Cabral could pretty much do anything.”), Paste (“too appealing to resist”) and once again found its place in The Best Albums of 2019 at Bandcamp.

[@tmsplltrs]

I tried to sample this for a hiphop beat and it felt like I was drawing a mustache on the Mona Lisa. God forgive me.

[@SaraGreer]

This just gave me the giggles lol

[@daymeeedababy]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pedrojoffily8401]

this song does NOT seem like it has over 7 minutes!!!!!! i want MORE

[@fordtski]

RIGHT????

[@hussnaashraf7318]

Holy shit! I've been listening to this song for months and did not notice that until I saw your comment.

[@sandr6298]

whole album is insane so glad i found it but this shit hits so much harder

Man, when the drums kick in after that synth segment, fucking brilliant

[@Toyu67]

Right!!!

[@casuallycasualty4933]

this song takes me back to when i was 12-13 and was getting severely bullied by the boys in school for being ugly. they would call me stupid for my interests, make rude remarks about my appearance and exclude me at all times so i’d be all alone and miserable. today, even though a part of me forgave them, because i understand that they were children who didn’t know any better, a big part of me is still afraid of being hurt like this. these experiences completely shattered my self-confidence, my relationship with my self and my future relationships with men. in my high school years, i thought that i had no value as a human being since i was not beautiful and was very depressed. i had no hope for myself and would obsessively research plastic surgery operations to make me an enough beautiful person worthy of love, developed eating disorders etc. when i heard this song for the first time i started crying uncontrollably because this just sounded like empowering war music that validated this invisible war i have been fighting in my head for years and years now. it made me feel seen. i have gone to therapy for this but tbh listening to this song helped me more than someone asking me “so how did that make you feel?” for the 73738 th time to me explaining these draining experiences. anyway. i am glad this song is getting praised and hopefully it reaches out to girls everywhere who went through similar experiences like this when they were teenagers.

[@interstellish]

Kate Bush vibes, Enya vibes, but also just very much her own thing. It's a masterclass in everything.

[@daymeeedababy]

That what I’m talking about

[@PurplePurplePurple]

Yes, I discovered this because of the fruit man. But I can't act like this shit ain't magical.

[@joekratman1872]

Hands down the best song on the album, they're all great but this one is just so cinematic and transportive. Love love love

[@gabrielb.3647]

this one, the future and awaken are all perfect to me

[@shutup9505]

100th like

[@alexfranzak9806]

Always is my favorite

[@daymeeedababy]

@@gabrielb.3647I like awaken future the most and whole album is tight, solid and 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@marmaladevenus3230]

godddd the second that little synth crawl picks up... fucking shivers

[@colsonrizzuto7973]

2:22 that effect is just too perfect, sounds like her spirit is singing

[@dim8238]

Yeah! And the ones at around 4:39 and 4:48 sound very much like her angry spirit coming out of her.

[@ale14zoppi]

Reversed reverb! I think Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin used it first on a record. Such a haunting effect

[@colsonrizzuto7973]

@@ale14zoppiCool, thanks for letting me know what that is

[@albertisasheep]

this is genuinely one of the best songs i’ve ever heard

[@rafaelfernandes5612]

this WILL BE the album of the year, mark my words! Another flawless song from Spellling, fuck! This is supreme!

[@Spectre0799]

YOU CALLED IT

[@enduranceedit]

Your words are marked

[@Jerrynieh900810]

This aged like fine wine

[@Jackrabbit7]

You have perfect taste

[@johannesgutenburg6425]

What did he call? Ya’ll really basing this on a bald man? Jesus christ, enjoy the music. Its great. Maybe a future classic. Just dont wait for validation from a bald man.

[@salinasmalvinas]

this totally deserved fantano's 10

[@Solaire_of_Astora13]

It's jaw dropping from beginning to end. Those are rare

[@debigribs9458]

Jesus Christ man he's just a reviewer do your own stuff

[@salinasmalvinas]

@@debigribs9458 and I liked the reviewer's opinion, there is nothing wrong with it lol

[@DDub04]

This and Kids See Ghosts… yeah they’re unquestionably worthy of 10/10s. Like c’mon.

[@p0para]

@@DDub04 guitar solo in magic act tho...

[@m00nrac00n]

One of the best Songs Ive ever heard and firmly in the "Afraid to play in front of friends cuz they will not appreciate" category.

[@matheusrofficial]

I'm feeling that AOTY contender right here

[@evelynmartins8849]

Thanks for your attention, I bring you good news from the great Illuminati. Have you ever thought of becoming rich, famous, and prosperous in life also having the chance to achieve all your goals and dreams in life?

[@MyChannel-ww8mo]

@@evelynmartins8849 balls

[@deiz1083]

@@evelynmartins8849 cringe

[@sushicolors]

@@evelynmartins8849 Girl: Do you think I'm beautiful? Boy: No Girl: Do want to be with me forever? Boy: No Girl: Do u even like me? Boy: No Girl: Would u cry if i walked away? Boy: No She heard enough and was hurt... She walked away with tears in her eyes The boy grabbed her arm Boy: Your not pretty...your beautiful Boy: I dont want to be with u forever...I need to be with u forever Boy: I dont like u...I love u Boy: I wouldn't cry if u walked away......I would die if u walked away. Boy Whispers: Plz stay with me Girl: I will... *Tonight at midnight your true love will realize she/he loves u *Something good will happen to u at 1-4pm *Tomorrow it could be anywhere!!! *Get ready for the shock of your life! *If u dont post this to 5 other comments... You will have bad luck in relationships for the next 10 years

[@nibyafternight1983]

@@evelynmartins8849 Obama hamburger sussy balls "dream" "technoblade" mrbeast Kanye East I'm hella gay baka 100 gecs "Drake bell"

[@ososo]

OKAY FANTANO IS RIGHT THIS IS LOVELY

[@Spectre0799]

The way the snares are mixed especially is glorious

[@PLAGUE-KARM]

Oh shit it’s Spectre

[@Spectre0799]

@@PLAGUE-KARM Soon you'll learn I'm everywhere.

[@PLAGUE-KARM]

@@Spectre0799 😲

[@nibyafternight1983]

I kinda feel like the album lacked dynamic range but it was gorgeous anyways

[@DDub04]

I kinda want a “The Turning Wheel but it’s just my voice” now. I know you’re a dude but… idk

[@sirin9850]

shoutout to horn sections at the climax of moody indie songs fr got to be one of my favourite genders

[@user-so7vi7nu9x]

She's a teacher as well. I feel her.

[@ModernOak]

oh wow! 😮 i didn't know that - interesting!

[@SmashedTomatoes]

Music like this makes me want to make my own music while also making me not want to because I could never top this, not in a million years!

[@yup4670]

Omg same

[@basielu]

but we could do a great job trying!!

[@pterodactyl9724]

Take me to the Lord before the boredom takes me over I am waiting on his move I'm going under the floor What am I waiting for? Floating down the hall Through all the voices, through all the walls Thought you could be the one to set me free Tomorrow I turn 16 years and I don't want to grow older I hate the boys at school They never play the rules I hate the boys at school They never play the rules The body is the law and I'm only human after all Wanted to bе the one that you need Tomorrow I turn 16 years I don't want to grow oldеr (You don't even know, you don't even bother) (You gave me a heartbeat, you gave me a heartbeat) I guess you'll never know How much this moment means to me You were the hero on my T.V Tomorrow I turn 16 years and I don't want to grow older (You don't even know, you don't even bother) (You gave me a heartbeat, you gave me a heartbeat) I hate the boys at school They never play the rules I hate the boys at school They never play the rules Shut out the sun until I'm small again I'm way too tired to climb out of bed Four walls is all I need of friends I'm meaner than you think And I'm not afraid Of how lonely it's going to be If I change my mind I'll go walking outside Just to see how the law is

[@tommurray7854]

We are witnessing the start of a musical superhero

[@waccle8335]

1:47 felt like a more magical, extravagant version of the first few notes of Kid A by Radiohead. I knew i'd love this song the moment I was reminded of that.

[@Clara-kf5jd]

Currently obsessed with this song. The instrumentation, the vocals, the mixing.... Everything about it is SO good

[@surgodt]

The presence and just timing of each instrumental element of this track is out of this world. Just a masterclass of composition.

[@LeBeautiful]

masterpiece of an album, the production is literally the most breathtaking thing I've heard this year.

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

Yo

[@deathvalley69sy]

1:47 is up there with some of the best things ive ever heard

[@theunitedkingdom]

that’s when i start rising into the air

[@MyoticTesseract]

my grandmother saw me listening to this album the other day and she pointed to the album cover and said "Hey that looks like Bruno Mars"

[@alexandrelaforest5838]

God I love the moment when song’s intro starts fading away and the beautiful synth line comes to build the chorus up. So fkinnnng goooodd

[@rickyortiz2860]

A level of composition from another world Jesus Christ

[@tsunamidestructor]

The entire song is absolutely marvelous, but that outro...ughhhh, so freakin' gorgeous.

[@deependmashups8715]

Fantano got taste NGL

[@maikhuongpham6636]

Out of the thousands of songs I’ve listened to, out of all the albums I’ve put as my topsters, this is literally one of if not the best songs I’ve ever heard in my entire life. Kudos to her, she did a fantastic fucking job.

[@dariomatzke4778]

literally one the best songs EVER made.

[@iknowtheend_]

spellling why isn't this 10 minutes long, 7 isn't enough

[@nellies]

This is honestly one of the best songs I've ever heard. Definitely the best song of 2021. It makes me think of teenage 80s movies or something and it's so dark and haunting, and it's not often we can hear this beautiful lyrics nowadays, it's like poetry. Goosebumps for 7 minutes straight.

[@syntheticsilkwood2206]

Oh hey you're here too i see you under a lot of kate reaction videos

[@RiderOfKarma]

For real, that synth lick gives me very HEATHERS vibes.

[@cirehn3866]

this is probably the best thing i've ever listened (and will listen) in my entire life. i can't believe this piece of art exists. should be illegal.

[@chouryu13]

this song is sooo good, i am so excited for this album! wish i had this song when i was a 16 year old girl!

[@californiansniper2133]

Why?

[@paystation4pro15]

@@californiansniper2133 because she hated the boys at school 😤

[@educostanzo]

@@californiansniper2133 I think they refer to the fact that Spellling wrote at least part of this song when she was 16.

[@paystation4pro15]

@@educostanzo what?

[@enolamo526]

@@paystation4pro15 I think not the lyrics, but the main melody of the piano, that's what I heard from an interview

[@pengweigu3797]

the best track in this LP，maybe the best track in 2020s

[@reedmartinko2936]

At 1:46 I get the chills

[@berkehanbeyazit]

my best friend recently died to suicide, this was one of their favorite songs. I used to find this album to be kind of chipper and kind of christmasy (especially little deer), but after they died and i listened to these songs again, I realized so many of the underlying themes of these wonderful songs. Especially the outro of this song really makes me cry every single time I hear it. I am reminded of my friend and think about how those words were probably how they felt about their life and death

[@thecouncil8973]

They evolved out of nowhere like tf 😳

[@S_ei_S]

I just love to read old comments before fantano's review lol. Amazing album btw

[@riktich]

why i'm i crying

[@zaidnassar.2569]

It's am + you fell + L

[@riktich]

@@zaidnassar.2569 am just enjoying the music and your out here hating

[@zaidnassar.2569]

@@riktich bro take a fucking joke

[@69ms]

youtube music comment sections hit different LMAO

[@alantarazona]

Best song I've heard since...I don't even know since when, best song I've heard.

[@snooopert1048]

2:22 gave me serious chills

[@danielrc14]

I don't even like fantano reviews too much but without him I probably wouldn't have find this, so yeah

[@syntheticsilkwood2206]

Honestly this is probably the greatest piano power ballad ever made if you can even call it that

[@Smoothsayer]

This song kept turning in directions I wasn’t expecting. Very very nice!

[@lqpf]

reminds me of sade if she did artpop

[@sanriodeppressionthermos8602]

I just found SPELLING through the youtube recommendations today. I'll be turning 16 years old in january and this perfectly captures the feelings of uncertainty, hightened emotion, and wonder that come with being an afab person at this age. I've been having a lot of anxiety about my birthday, i like art and thats (at least in some capacity) what i want to do with my life but I dont know if i want to go to college or not, dont know where to move if i move out at 18, dont know how to make a living off my passion, etc. This made me feel a bit better about it, thank you spelling :).

[@HalflingMarquee]

I will advise you to follow your passions. Don't give up your art and talent. A fancy job isn't worth the nice salary if you're working yourself to death and you have no time to create and grow as an artist. I make very little money but I've learned if you're frugal you really don't need that much money for just one person until you have kids. Stay strong. Keep Creating!

[@paystation4pro15]

Best track on the album

[@peterc1019]

dope and underrated

[@ebn128]

Melon man brought me here. My God, this song is absolutely insane!! How can human beings even conceive shit like this?!?! Bravo Spelling, I’m now a fan for life. What a genius

[@Spectre0799]

WHEN THE BASS KICKS IN AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[@milesoyasumi]

U also listen to this spectre? Lesgoooooo

[@Spectre0799]

@@milesoyasumi I may or may not be remixing this song in the near future 👀

[@milesoyasumi]

@@Spectre0799 aight if you do im gonna be so suprised, i didnt expect you to be here lmao

[@nibyafternight1983]

That bass really settle the entire song for me. And that electric guitar is gorgeous too

[@Spectre0799]

@@nibyafternight1983 Such a gorgeous piece of music

[@masterofdisguise9564]

BRO THAT FUCKING GUITAR SOLO AT THE END 👌👌

[@HalflingMarquee]

So incredible I restarted it just to experience it again.

[@geneawisea2708]

It’s like Pink Floyd teamed up with Donna Summer and Queensryche to do a song!! Dear God, I haven’t been floored by music like that since Poe’s Album Haunted and Santigolds first album. Explosions

[@fatedfragment]

so so thankful i stumbled upon spellling. i swear i’ve heard this in dreams, one of the most beautiful songs i’ve ever heard

[@blake-7166]

This song is so good and just thank u spellling for this and the rest of this album

[@cinnabarite]

It's so magical.

[@falloutboy691]

Music takes my head to all sorts of places. This song fits every single type of movie and video game I've seen and played.

[@Ternuj]

The long outro with the changes of two rhytms is so brilliant!

[@diegosebastian2226]

One of the best songs I've heard in at least half a decade. Amazing.

[@wytpny557]

I love this song 😭

[@nathanist]

this is perfection, I always get goosebumps listening to it

[@chrismayer6091]

Just a perfect, mind blowing song from a great album.

[@alxinthehype]

My favorite album of the year so far this track feels haunting. Very modern but also very classic. I’m in love

[@tinahiemeleers5471]

Masterpiece. Just perfection!

[@educostanzo]

Production, composition, vocal delivery, instrumentation, everything hits the mark. Stellar album!

[@sanskritipandey7001]

Wow, this sounds extraordinary and magnificent! Incredible job🙌❤

[@jalensera]

This is the best song I’ve heard this year

[@elijahmaier5975]

Holy shit another killer song

[@smirkingshark]

shortest 7 minutes of my life. love every second... absolutely crazy

[@michaelmccloskey2606]

I tuned in on this in the middle of the song and was fascinated. Immediately Shazamed it.

[@nomadafro1285]

This song is MASSIVE

[@astrojerm4521]

Brilliant Work ..SPELLBOUND !

[@thomaslovegood1]

this song is fucking brilliant, no one could ever do something like this... you're truly an artist and i appreciate every single second of this masterpiece.

[@bullhunter3359]

These first 2 minutes melt my spirit

[@VinnieGer]

This is it, this is really as good as it gets, and I’m all the happier for it.

[@alooooni]

Tomorrow i turn 63

[@alexiacv]

ameii, mto bom!!

[@dumpsterfornicia]

this is the best song of 2021 by far

[@dancewalkertarot]

Beautiful. Omg.

[@hallquiche]

The production on this album is absolutely flawless. I hear a lot of influences from acts like Pink Floyd, Kate Bush, Grace Jones and even Dream Theater. Truly a classic. Thanks for allowing me to hear this, Melon.

[@mango646]

incredible as usual

[@Hooperd2023]

I have been avoiding listening to this song because I knew it was going to be amazing. And, sure enough.

[@alucvrdmusicbeatsandremixe2172]

this sounds amazing tbh

[@zaidnassar.2569]

Album of the year hands down but this song man ...... this song legit words can't describe it 👾

[@ashleyohohoh]

I love this song so so so so so much.

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

Great Song.

[@edmundau-yeung9598]

What a singular talent.

[@em_y1229]

hands down best track on the album

[@somhaud]

best song on the album for me

[@jcpadilla988]

Woah that was beautiful

[@DV-su5fj]

The atmosphere of this and Little Deer reminds me a bit of the Dead Moon Circus in Sailor Moon

[@antoniobarros2657]

Excellent !!!! I listened to it today in my car connected to Apple Music and it caught me in the first 30 seconds, very good job

[@artisttjan]

I can't get this out of my head, and I don't want too

[@jonassbohrer]

This is SO GOOD

[@PLAGUE-KARM]

This hits different

[@thecinematicmind]

Without no doubt, no hesitation and no competition. The Best Song of 2021. If I was to appear on Desert Island Discs, this would unanimously play.