Brockhampton Has Been Born Again

Kicking off my first song review, I have chosen two songs as a pair, ‘I Been Born Again’ and ‘If You Pray Right.’ Both of these songs originate from the boy band collective known as Brockhampton. Currently consisting of roughly 14 members, Brockhampton ranges from artists and producers to media and creative directors, photographers, etc. At the forefront of the group is 23 year old Texan native Kevin Abstract, as well as accomplished vocalists/songwriters including Matt Champion, Merlyn Wood, Dom McLennon, Bearface (Ciarán McDonald) and Joba (Russell Boring).

‘I Been Born Again’ Is the first single the group has put out since the release of their 5th studio album ‘Iridescence’ in October of 2018. This release marks the beginning of a new era for Brockhampton, and has been highly anticipated.

‘I been born again’ starts off with some almost ominous whispering sung by Bearface, who generally is used on the slower, more vocally driven parts of the groups tracks because of his softer tone, it provides the perfect offset. Kevin Abstract abruptly takes the first verse by storm. Abstract references his past work multiple times throughout this verse. These references date back to his second solo album ‘Arizona Baby’ he released in April of this year, and Abstract even references the groups past three albums that were a part of the ‘Saturation’ trilogy that were released between June-December of 2017. Again Abstract throws in some retaliating lines concerning him being gay but continuing to be successful in the music industry in spite of what people may say/think. These remarks scattered throughout his songwriting have become something he has been known to use get his point across.

The second and third verses are a shorter performances each given by Merlyn Wood and Dom McLennon. Merlyn is one of the seemingly more outgoing and left field rappers in Brockhampton. He gives us his usual iconic verse drop with “she so bad, I let her touch my butt.” Merlyn is always a fan favorite with his fun rhymes and I love that he doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Following Merlyn, Dom McLennon turns up the heat with a catchy verse. Merlyn and Dom’s verses flow into each other very methodically and naturally, and it creates the perfect atmosphere to lead up to Joba’s darker toned verse.

From the start of Brockhampton, I have always been partial towards Joba, his manic style of songwriting and “I don’t give a f*** what you think” mentality have always resonated with me. In this particular verse his voice is a bit distorted, and it adds to this persona he has created. At first listen I didn’t like the auto tune they put on Joba’s voice, but for this track I do understand it’s purpose.

The outro of this track is arguably the best part of the song. Matt Champion isn’t doing anything too intricate lyrically, but his delivery of the few lyrics he has, and his hyped up vocals make it seem so exciting and larger than it is. It does a wonderful job to give the song a little boost at the end to get it where it needs to be.

‘If You Pray Right’

The most prominent and noticeable aspect of this song is the beat, what I believe to be a trombone can be continuously heard in the background of this track from start to finish. I almost thought it was overbearing the song, making it difficult for the listener to decipher what is being said lyrically, and it can be at a first listen. If you take the time to sit down and listen to the song thoroughly I believe it makes the song more infectious, as well as making it very unique, and undeniably Brockhampton.

Dom McLennon gives us a taste of what we can expect with this track in the first verse, but in my opinion the song really takes off when Kevin Abstract jumps in for that chorus, it gives the listener something to grasp onto in terms of lyrics and something that has some repetition and stability.

Something that I think Brockhampton did a really brilliant job of on this next verse is something you might not pick up on unless you are truly paying attention. If you haven’t yet listened to this track with headphones on you probably won’t know what I am referring to. Matt Champion and Merlyn Wood tag team this one, they do an inventive delivery of this verse by layering their two voices together, giving you this echo-y tune that is so appealing to listen to, I almost wish there was more of it integrated in this track.

One final aspect of this song I feel is worth touching on is that slowed down outro they give us. Just when you think the song is over, Abstract’s vocals fade in, and you notice they are pitched and slowed down. This addition to the track creates some more layering and depth, it’s a very mellow and calming place to leave an otherwise unorthodox track.

Overall I enjoyed these two new released Brockhampton gave us, I wasn’t in love with them at first, but after further reviewing I have come to appreciate their complexity and originality. While these songs differ from what Brockhampton have done in the past, they simultaneously do a good job of staying true to their roots and showcasing each members talents and contributions accurately.

Brockhampton’s sixth studio album ‘Ginger’ is rumored for release sometime towards the end of August, I look forward to where this new era and direction will take us, and potentially returning for a full album review.