The significance of Spiderland begins with the unique genre that it sparked. Though today its style is mimicked, this record is still considered as one of the earliest forms of math and post-rock. For an album that started such clusters, you'd expect a more significant legacy, right? In the midst of similar artists, Spiderland still feels to me like a stick in the ground rather than the landmark it should be noted as. It is legendary, but not quite legendary enough.Although I have no faulty affection for Slint's earlier full-length, Tweez, there is still something much bigger and exciting that I feel from Spiderland. But it's been this way since the beginning- since hearing the opening riff in "Breadcrumb Trail" and the dark, whimsical tale that lies beneath, while overwhelmed in an atmosphere precipitating nothing but doom. Spiderland possesses an unsettling trait in which the gloom intertwines throughout. Its grim storylines and odd time changes have proved to be part of the dark line that connects the record as a whole. Even if it may be in the midst of an instrument mind-boggler such as "Nosferatu Man," deep within the climbing notes and subtly abrupt time changes, somewhere in our brain, they've struck a nerve.Another unique trait that Slint adapted into their music was the integration of spoken word. Throughout the record you can catch hoarsely spoken verses scattered within songs, and even an entire song by itself. Frontman Brian McMahan used this trait to weave grim tales within songs effectively, speaking both narratives and dialogue for the story’s characters. In "Don, Aman" the story is given to us in short spurts. It builds from a tranquil riff to an intensifying paranoia as McMahan timidly utters the sensation of the people surrounding the story's character, Don. - "Glances/With amusement/With evasion/With contempt;" you begin to feel nervous with him. But just as gradually as the song built, it escalates downwards once more, ending on a note that would leave any listener speechless. It serves as a subtle preparation for what else lies ahead in Spiderland. But even with this break, nothing can truly prepare you for what follows.Inside every album, midway through its core and somewhere hidden within a song is an instant where everything clicks. It is the fleeting moment of realization where an album's interrelated string connects, where every note and sound overpowers your senses, and you're left feeling both stunned and empty as the moment slowly fades and comes to a close. In the last instance of "Washer," these emotions take hold. The song gradually builds over a dancing riff accompanied by McMahan’s meek contributions as he humbly proclaims “My head is empty/ My toes are warm/ I am safe from harm.” Then, suddenly, the ambiance that once took hold is shattered and explodes into a driving instance of pure musical passion. It is where both the album’s gloom and the impending doom of its stories meet. I have abusively played this song for years and these moments have not yet dulled. "Washer" is Spiderland's chewy nougat, although, it may be more appropriate to label it as a religious experience.As Spiderland begins to wind down, through “For Dinner…” up until the record’s closer, it’s easy to dismiss the album as an early finish (running in at about 40 minutes.) To finish off, “Good Morning, Captain” picks up from “Washer” as it reassembles the pieces it left behind. Within this story a captain is awoken from knocking behind a wooden door; a lone shipwreck survivor asks for help against the storm- “Please, it’s cold.” Gradually, the scenario takes an unsettling rupture. A figure appears at the edge of the windowsill, and the song abruptly elevates as McMahan is left screaming the album’s last words- “I miss you.” These words, along with the clash and rumble of the final chords, craft a beautiful and terrifying closure fit for such a flawless record. It's really the jizz on the cake.Though disbanding in '91, Slint reunited (Todd excluded) in 2005 for the ATP music festival, and then again once more in '07 for a hand full of Europe and U.S. shows as part of a short-term tour. "If there was one person they could do without, it was me," Todd Brashear told SPIN magazine, "Obviously people weren't too upset I wasn't included." Although it's unfortunate that Todd was probably right, it would be criminal to discredit him for any contribution to Spiderland. Surely had it been someone else, its solid luster could have been lost. Since then, the band has created only one other new composition titled "King's Approach" that suitably displays their consistent talent for interesting and complex music. Unfortunately, this is no hint for a full-time reunion or new material. With the 90's long gone, Slint have definitely hung their hats, though the overwhelming impact of their legacy on music today can still be heard, chord by chord.