BROCKHAMPTON – iridescence

Colorful Chaos

To say that BROCKHAMPTON is making a name for themselves would be a gross understatement. The years of underground hype beneath the group came to its culmination in 2017 as the group released the SATURATION series. While releasing three albums in a year already sounds pretty improbable, the way they did it is perhaps even more impressive. In this track meet of a year, BROCKHAMPTON managed to avoid the pitfalls of that many of their young peers often succumb to. It is easy to saturate the market, but to do it while maintaining a palpable energy, creativity and force through each project is quite impressive. This is not to say that the last year has been perfect for the group. While the SATURATION series was impressive in its attitude and vision, it was still far from perfect. Every project showcased its fair share of standout tracks, but the group still seemed as if it lacked maturity and polish in some places at times. Despite praise for this series, the elements that these projects miss make it hard to truly love these albums.

Having said all of that, all of these missing puzzle pieces in their sound mean nothing compared to the controversy that has surrounded the group in 2018. Group member and “image” behind the group, Ameer Vann was accused of sexual misconduct. These accusations shocked the group and fans alike. How could someone from a group that seemed so lovable and progressive be capable of such evil things? Being featured on the cover of every album in the Saturation series, Vann’s name and face became synonymous with the group. It was immediately clear that the band would have to separate themselves from Vann’s abhorrent actions by removing him from the group. Now that time and many positive statements have passed, it seems the scandal is in the group’s rearview mirror. In the time since this scandal has passed, the band has now been signed to RCA, rebooted their album two times and grew their fanbase exponentially. In just three years, this group has been to the moon and back. The real question is: did they get a good project out of it?

Well, much like BROCKHAMPTON’s story as a band, the answer is kind of muddy. At times this project is incredibly smart and poised. Tracks like “WEIGHT” benefit from rich vocal performances and sentimental lyrics that are sure to relate to many people in the 18-25 demographic. This track begins with a beautiful swaying chorale-like string section paired with the aforementioned lyrics. Things do not remain this cozy though as frenetic drums and trippy vocal interplays make up the mid-section of the track. This feels like a lead-up for the grand finale that is the emotional, yet repetitive rapping of the last minute. The track feels ambitious but melodically cohesive. This is something that felt somewhat foreign in the world of BROCKHAMPTON, so this growth is certainly welcome. The problem with this record is for every stroke of brilliance, there is a disappointment right around the corner.

“Berlin” boasts some incredibly boring and lethargic vocal lines for its abrasive bass punch. “District” is much more ugly and industrial than BROCKHAMPTON are used to, but it overall just suffers from a lack of inertia. The idea doesn’t really go anywhere which is not something that can be said for many BROCKHAMPTON tracks. Despite the plentiful disappointments available on this record, there is still some stuff that is thoroughly enjoyable. “J’OUVERT” is the winner of the more experimental tracks. Its glitches are creatively scattered throughout the track to match the track’s over-the-top delivery. “Honey” features a hypnotic beat that is wonderfully funky until it is suddenly a trancey psychedelic hymn of sirens. These tracks certainly suck you in and make you believe in what the group has to offer.

Sadly, there are just too few of these exciting moments on this project. A lot of the ideas on here were really commendable but lacked the proper polish required to make them great. All in all, this is not surprising. Having been to the moon and back in just three years, surely BROCKHAMPTON could benefit from some time in the slower lane of traffic.