BROCKHAMPTON's "ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE"

 

Riveting introspections and anecdotes from both Kevin Abstract and Joba are when "ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE" is at its most compelling. However, an inconsistent first half that included some disappointing lows probably makes 'ROADRUNNER' far from BROCKHAMPTON's best output.

'BUZZCUT' is a decent opener. The production is pleasing vertigo that complements an ecstatic Kevin Abstract reflecting on making it to 'Hollywood' and his mother. Abstract recounts a touching moment with his mother, where she drove to California due to fears of Abstract having COVID-19, the first instance of Kevin reflecting on his relationship with his mother. Following BUZZCUT's rather mediocre hook, Danny Brwon delivers signature grittiness in his verse as he joyfully condemns incels.

'CHAIN ON', a track criticising police brutality,  follows in a somewhat disappointing matter. Instrumental is flavourless with a minimal bassline and flickering synths, and, frustratingly, Abstract's chorus is monotonous. Fortunately, JPEGMAFIA and Dom Mclennon save the track. JPEGMAFIA's guest verse, after humourous brags, feels as if every day it is 'do or die' due to present police brutality. While a pleasingly passionate Dom is 'fueled by the culture and driven by his ancestors' as he puts cement in his gloves to fight against police brutality.

'ROADRUNNER' is at its catchiest segment in 'COUNT ON ME.' A$AP Rocky and Matt Champion are charismatic in their respective verses while Jabari, Ryan and Shawn Mendes deliver a catchy hook. The whistling throughout the track's instrumental additionally serves as perfect icing to the sweet cake of 'COUNT OF ME.'

'BANKROLL' seems promising on paper. A BROCKHAMPTON collaborating with A$AP ROCKY and FERG, I am licking my lips. However, in actuality, 'BANKROLL' is 'ROADRUNNER' at its lowest. Trap beats within this track are toothless and one-dimensional. A$AP Ferg opening verse is not good, as his hesitation in between bars make it awkward to listen to and, I never want to hear that 'Coo-Coo' ad-lib ever again. The hook is sadly mediocre as well. Merlyn and Jabari's respective verses are serviceable yet is far from saving 'BANKROLL.'

Thankfully, the album does immediately recover in the stunning 'THE LIGHT.' A riveting guitar riff runs rampant across 'THE LIGHT' as a broken Joba begins the track reflecting on the suicide of his father. He recalls terrifying imagery of 'bloody backdrop, skull fragments in the ceiling' as his mother was squealing. Joba could only cope with 'the deadly combination of alcohol and pills.' In Kevin Abstract's verse, he reflects on the difficulties with his mother. Mainly his 'struggle with telling his mom who he in love with' as she is homophobic. As a result, Abstract does not see his family on Thanksgiving or Christmas. The rawness and intensity in both Kevin and Joba's flow within 'THE LIGHT' perfectly encapsulate their hurt to their respective situations.

Following a serviceable extended cut in "WINDOWS", the album reaches "I'LL TAKE YOU ON". It feels BROCKHAMPTON took inspiration from the boyband era of NSYNC and Backstreet Boys, a pleasant practice. The chemistry within the BROCKHAMPTON, especially in 'I'LL TAKE YOU ON', completes a rather melodic harmony.

In "When I Ball", a pleasant piano instrumental is fittingly elevating for such an anthem of chasing aspirations. Dom delivers an intriguing anecdote of how his mother protected him by learning how to act when confronted by cops. It is depressing imagery as Dom was taught to 'follow some directions and never make an exception, as one wrong move against the police may have been life-altering. Fortunately, his mother's wisdom may have been integral to Dom's ability to achieve his dreams.

Fuelled by revving synths and percussion,  "DON'T SHOOT UP THE PARTY" features Abstract delivering a charismatic hook while critiquing American societal issues of racism and homophobia. Meanwhile, Matt Champion joyfully condemns media as 'always dead inside like they in the catacombs.'

After the blissful "DEAR LORD", "ROADRUNNER" ends brilliantly with "THE LIGHT PART II" as both Abstract and Joba maintain their emotionally intense delivery from the "THE LIGHT".Joba is pleading for his father to not commit suicide over raw acoustics and background vocals. Joba questioned him about whether he thought about how his suicide affected his family? Joba evokes devastation as he blames himself for not saving his father as he 'didn't trust his intuition when he saw the cracks.' In Abstract's verse, he has found progress in rebuilding his relationship with his mother as they just 'got on good terms.' However, his mother's religious belief still serves as the irritating obstacle for Abstract's homosexuality to be accepted by her. Abstract hates 'that she got him in the box, expecting him to see the light.'

Despite a few underwhelming moments, "ROADRUNNER" is an overall solid LP that showcases BRCOKHAMPTON's electrifying chemistry and their continuingly impressive range from catchy R&B and rap to compelling personal reflections.

7/10

Best Track(s): THE LIGHT, THE LIGHT PART II, COUNT ON ME, I'LL TAKE YOU ON.