BROCKHAMPTON: ROAD RUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE Review

From their upbringing's in 2016 with All-American Trash, Brockhampton proved they’re an act to pay attention to. They proved it by releasing the catchy and fun Saturation Trilogy; the triple LP brought them success only a few artists of their caliber keeping dream of. Their fresh take on hip-hop, r&b, and pop captivated young audiences, making them want more.

With the trilogy, they received a record deal with RCA. Under RCA, they released Iridescence and Ginger. Iridescence captured the frustration and anger reflecting the year 2018 and 2019s, Ginger displayed a depressed band dealing with the world's weight. If they felt depressed on Ginger, then 2020 would numb their grief.

Why did you get on their ride? Source wbur

The virus left the band with no desire to do anything they enjoyed; including making music. Even though the band didn’t release an album last year, they released a collection of songs that would pave the way to their next album.

The word's unruly events created an album where the band displayed their emotions in melodic and ballad-style songs. Each member gives us a take on an unknown world; Kevin didn’t find pleasure in his interest (I felt the same way in 2020, and I still do), and Joba lost his father to suicide. Kevin Abstract sums it up perfectly in an article with wbur,

Being forced to slow down during the pandemic — in many ways — served as an inspiration to the album.

Kevin Abstract on Twitter mentioned, this year they’ll release the last two albums under Brockhampton (which includes Roadrunner). Kevin stated in wbur; the decision to close the doors on Brockhampton is less about breaking up and more about evolving. They may say they’re calling it quits, but groups eventually get back together, even it's for a short time.

With the album's topic in place and two albums to end on, what did they create with Roadrunner? Brockhampton does what they do best, write music they would enjoy, and see if their devoted fanbase and casual listeners would appreciate it too. The songs range from tranquil raps to r&b ballads.

They warned you to get off. Image from Consequence Sound.

Every member of Brockhampton appears on the album:

Kevin

He the most prominent in the album, with a steady flow in every track except for the opening Buzzcut featuring Danny Brown. Buzzcut features an echoing illuminating beat, a deep bass line, and kick beat drum beats over Kevin's swift flow and odd nosies in between verses. Then the song slows down with Joba's soothing falsetto over harmonic chanting and sax.

Dom

He's one member who can bring an excellent flow to each track he raps on. He proved he’s a member you should pay attention to.

Matt Champion

His chill rapping shined, and could’ve seen more of him in the tracks.

Joba

Sings more on roadrunner. The events which occurred last year (he lost his father) drove him to sound somber in his vocals.

Bearface

I'm not a big fan of bearface baritone falsetto vocals, his rapping chops o. Excellent, but his verses didn't showcase his ability.

Merlyn

One of the most entertaining rappers to listen to. It's a shame he isn't on most tracks, but on the songs he's on, he outperforms.

The ballads on Roadrunner can get redundant as they take up most of the album. For example, Count On Me. The song opens with whistling that leads into featured artist

A$AP Ferg rapping over a warm guitar and follows into a harmonious chorus. This song sounds like the ballads from their previous albums, such as Bleach and Sugar. Seek those tracks instead. At least, they got Shawn Mendes to sing on the track.

These ballads aren't all rehashing, as the group still produces a memorable tune. For example, I'll Take You On with it's soothing acoustic guitar, hypnotic bass line, and clapping as every member sings in unison. Old News features an acoustic guitar, slapping drums and percussion, and a soft hum bass as the Band sings cathartically.

Besides the ballads, there are the melodic tracks showcasing how much last year affected them. These tracks are Don't Shoot Up The party, and The Light. Don’t Shoot Up The Party has atmospheric keys, bouncy drums, and follows into g-funk beat with the members blatantly singing and rapping over the instrumentals. The Light features Joba emotionless rapping as he describes the suicide of his father. The lyrics to the light illustrate in vivid imagery Joba's reaction to his father's death.

When I look at myself, I see a broken man

Remnants of my pops, put the Glock to his head

Nothing ever go as planned, couldn't make amends

Forcibly pretend I don't give a damn -Joba: The Light

The lyrics reflect how the band feels about covid, their emotions to the virus and the events surrounding it. They write cohesive lyrics full of repetition and profound imagery.

Stay down, I'm sorry

Stay down, you're ugly (Oh, oh)

The people need more than money

These white people don't love me (Oh, oh) Kevin and Joba: Don’t Shoot Up The Party

Overall, Roadrunner is a solid album with enjoyable songs and melodies, but falls short with its countless Ballads. Perhaps their last album would sound more visceral to capture the frustration and anger of last year. No news when they’ll release it, but Roadrunner is here to shorten the wait.

Welcome back, boys.

Recommend Tracks:

Buzzcut

The Light

I’ll Take You On

Old News

Don’t Shoot Up The Party

Rating: Enjoyable 7/10