VEIN OF FOLLY marks the first fully collaborative project from Belfast-based rapper Leo Miyagee and producer Eulogy, a release that delves into “the delicate balance between sanity and insanity that exists within us all.” This seven-track collection is a genre-pushing masterclass, drawing on influences from the late 2010s SoundCloud rap era, ambient icons like Clams Casino, 회사AUTO, and Burial, as well as UK rap and grime.
The duo breaks down the writing and production behind each track, joined by Chris McKenna, a third member of their collective, who contributed to the project’s world-building, creative direction, artwork, and conceptual references—including inspiration from Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel.
Dublin
Kicking off, we are welcomed to the project with the opening track, ‘Dublin’. With its icy instrumental consisting of heavy trap drums over delicate airy synth melodies, Leo delivers a calm but confident performance discussing time spent on tour and how it has made him more ambitious, more confident but at the same time still soberingly aware of the increasingly more expensive rat race we are all in. Leo is now looking further afield, with a desire to make an impact at home and abroad. Leo says the song was inspired by being in Dublin and the Republic of Ireland in general, multiple times over the last 18 months. This opening track serves as a grand and bright introduction to VoF.
Devenish
Immediately we are taken to the second track, ‘Devenish’ where eerie vocal and piano samples accompany a headbang-worthy 808 bass line and drums. Leo delivers a blistering performance, rapping about the city he lives in, Belfast, again touching on the rat race before shouting out a local pub he frequented over the summer. It’s a short and not-so-sweet track that connects us to the third track of the project.
Bills
‘Bills’ is set in a dark, desolate and ambient environment with distant synths and pitched vocal chops atop deep keyboards and bass swells. Foley, including lighter flicks, decorate the project providing both rhythm and distinct textures. The drums carry the track, delivering a rolling garage-style groove that is heavily compressed into the instrumental. Leo delivers a dynamic verse that showcases some of his most technical flows yet. He talks about his vices, support system, the lessons he continues to learn while navigating the path he chose. He touches briefly on his displeasure at his and other artists’ treatment within the industry from a business standpoint.
Nice as it Gets?
We are then taken into the fourth track of the project, titled ‘Nice As It Gets?’ Eulogy went out of his way to create one of his most detailed synthesizer compositions that features an array of synths, MIDI instruments and arpeggiators. Leo vibes and feels this track as his bars follow the ebbs and flows of the Japanese-inspired pentatonic melodies. He describes how he feels people have started to see him, how he’s now started to see himself as he grows older, all while the progressive instrumental steadily grows with intensity. The track builds to a climactic crescendo and then gently fades away with the rhythmic synths taking the final bow.
Jack Johnson
We then reach the fifth track of the LP; a stark contrast from the previous couple of tracks. Immediately we are greeted with an aggressive 808 rhythm with furious trap drums. A suspenseful horror-inspired drone hangs in the air as the hi-hats become increasingly frantic and bass synths punctuate the rhythm. Leo fires off with an intense vocal performance that Eulogy has heavily saturated to the point of distortion. He mentions conspiracies, rat racing and angrily voicing his desire for a bigger slice of the pie as an artist, all while brandishing the signature confidence he’s become known for. With the sinister laugh that serves as one of Eulogy’s tags, the beat winds back for an encore after Leo has completed his deadly bars.
Floating Petals
Next we are taken to track six of the project, ‘Floating Petals’, which serves as an interlude of sorts. It bridges the gap between the previous track and the next by beginning with an intense, reverberating drum pattern alongside a dark, menacing bass line. Eulogy and guest producer DiorThaHustler’s sound selection is reminiscent of 80s horror or thriller movie soundtracks. The dramatic, almost cinematic tone of the piece gradually shifts from all guns blazing to a slightly more restrained moment as Leo’s half-verse steps in and fades away. The track gradually falls away, leaving muted aquatic melodies before disappearing.
$ynergy
Finally we reach the seventh and final track of the project ‘$ynergy’. This track serves as a nod to Leo’s core fanbase who appreciate his more classic hip hop offerings. Whilst carrying his signature soulful sample with a New York-inspired drum groove, this track differs from his previous works due to a few production decisions. Firstly, harshly saturated 808s punctuate the drum groove instead of allowing the electric bass guitar to carry the low end. Secondly, dramatic sirens and transition effects pepper the track, creating ear candy to tickle the listener’S attention. Leo closes out this project by elaborating and then summarising almost every topic he’s touched on throughout the project and other philosophical musings. The track serves as a bombastic and confident end to the project and hints at what may be to come for Leo in 2025.
Chris Mc Kenna:
Working on VEIN OF FOLLY with Leo Miyagee and Eulogy was an immersive experience, blending sound and imagery to reflect their distinct personalities and collaborative energy. My process began with listening to each track throughout its evolution, from the first draft to the final master. As the music unfolded, I interpreted the themes, emotions and textures to develop initial concepts.
A crucial step was sitting down with Leo to dive deeper into his headspace for the project. These discussions refined my ideas, aligning my vision with his intentions while ensuring the visuals also honoured Eulogy’s contributions. Having worked with Leo since 2018, I’ve developed a strong understanding of his style and have played a role in shaping the visuals for his previous projects. This familiarity helped me craft a visual language that reflected the contrast at the heart of VEIN OF FOLLY: Leo’s energetic, commanding presence as the frontman and Eulogy’s laid-back, meticulous approach as the beatmaker.
Chris McKenna
The main challenge was creating a cohesive body of work that celebrated their individuality while capturing the EP’s raw, introspective essence. Through moody lighting, textured compositions, and a balance of intensity and calm, the visuals aim to mirror the journey their music takes you on – a perfect harmony of two unique voices.
The album artwork was inspired by another iconic duo, Simon and Garfunkel, drawing on the minimalistic yet evocative style of their Bookends cover. This homage reinforces the collaborative nature of VEIN OF FOLLY while highlighting the synergy and contrast between Leo and Eulogy.
