BROCKHAMPTON Drops Their Penultimate Album ROADRUNNER: New Light New Machine
When BROCKHAMPTON released their album Ginger, last summer it introduced a new era for the boy band. The group was finally beginning to rediscover their sound and aesthetic after the departure of one of their core members, Ameer Van, who was let go from the group following accusations of sexual misconduct. Ginger had a much more cohesive and soulful sound than we had ever heard from the group before. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard Top 200, and the album’s charming single “Sugar,” was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
In the last year, we haven’t heard much from BROCKHAMPTON. Most of the members had been inactive on social media, however, it seems that they’ve been quite productive during their time out of the spotlight. On March 26, leader Kevin Abstract tweeted that the group would be releasing a new album on April 9. A second tweet shortly followed stating that there would be two albums in 2021, both of which would be their final albums. Before you begin to panic, I recommend you take this news of a final album with a grain of salt. This isn’t the first time the group has claimed that their new album would be their last.
In an interview with Vulture, the members discussed how this was the first time they had taken their time making an album. The group is usually known for pumping out albums quickly, as we have seen from their saturation trilogy where all three albums were released in a span of a couple of months in 2017. “I mean everybody was feeling this new way… Taking two years to make an album and being in that mindset is a whole different thing.” In another interview with The Guardian, Abstract stated that this album would be more rap-centred, while the second record would be a “pop album.”
While the Saturation trilogy was defined by its playful and fun nature, every album after has been filled with deep darkness brought on by personal experiences. ROADRUNNER is filled with melancholia, but the group maintains their ragtag spirit while also putting together a greater emphasis on their sense of community. In the past, most of Brockhampton’s songs have been confessional, but never direct. On the album, we see a lot more self-reflection, references to loss, as well as revealing moments and vignettes. We see this especially on the psychedelic track “THE LIGHT”, where JOBA opens up about his father’s suicide. Over classic guitar licks, he raps, “haunted by the image of a bloody backdrop, skull fragments in the ceiling.” Both verses on the track are inverted looks at faith. While JOBA raps about struggling to see his salvation following his father’s death, Abstract raps about his ascent being a demonstration of God’s existence.
The album does have lighter musical moments, such as the track “COUNT ON ME” which sounds like a summer hit perfect for road trips. “DON’T SHOOT UP THE PARTY” has the energy I came to love from the group during the Saturation era, and I can’t wait to mosh to it when concerts come back. ROADRUNNER includes a variety of featured guests such as A$AP Ferg, JPEGMAFIA, Charlie Wilson, and SoGone SoFlexy. The opener “BUZZCUT” features Danny Brown who brings untameable, frenetic energy to the track. On “BANKROLL” A$AP Rocky adds new textures to the chorus that compliment Matt and Merlyn’s verses.
Most of the songs on the LP are about seeking security and trying to look out for one another, and as the members rotate in and out of lead position their distinct voices continue to support one another. Bearface seems to sing a prayer for JOBA on “DEAR LORD,” his voice layered like a digitized gospel choir. The album’s theme is clear on this track. Through the love of those closest to us, we are able to connect to what is sacred.
Brockhampton’s growth as a group is evident on this album, and it’s sad to think that this might possibly be the end for them. We can only hope that this is another false claim by the group.
Standout Tracks:
“THE LIGHT”
“DON’T SHOOT UP THE PARTY”
“WINDOWS” (featuring SoGone SoFlexy)
“I’LL TAKE YOU ON” (featuring Charlie Wilson)
“BANKROLL” (featuring A$AP Rocky & A$AP Ferg)