Brockhampton - ‘Iridescence’ Review

I want to start this review with a disclaimer that I won’t be addressing the current situation of the band, as I’m sure most readers are already aware of the issue. My only comments on the matter will be that they needed a change, and this album symbolizes the start of a new phase. I really liked the new title and the cover which I understood as representing their own ‘Iridescence’. They know it’s a dark time for them but they will continue to shine through it. I interpreted the cover (an iridescent photo of a pregnant woman) to represent a rebirth. Despite losing a member, they are releasing music and creating a new sound to begin their transition from the ‘Saturation’ era to their new ‘Best Years of our Lives’ series, the title of which speaks for itself.

The album starts loudly and aggressively with ‘NEW ORLEANS’. The moodiness and anger of the track implies imagery of something emerging from darkness, which I initially enjoyed. However, having re-listened, I really feel that there is too much going on with the beat, the distracting electronic droning in the background and the offensive high pitch whistle that comes through at varying points were a little off-putting for me. Regardless, I thought Kevin and Merlin performed really well on this track, as well as, perhaps surprisingly, Bearface. His line ‘boy don’t you know you don’t look fly, them gold chains will turn your neck green bye’ was really clever in reference to the band’s need to move forwards, not just linking to the song ‘GOLD’ but also to Ameer who often mentioned his chains, like on ‘BUMP.’ This song also showcased Brockhampton’s first feature which, despite my initial excitement, ended up feeling like a wasted opportunity. While Jaden Smith’s voice works effectively with the erratic nature of the track, he doesn’t take this opportunity to control any of the track, instead simply repeating Kevin’s verse. This might sound good while listening to the track, but seems pointless on reflection considering the excitement around the boys finally making use of features. Hopefully this series will see the use of guest’s verses, and maybe some that will interact better with the band.

While it’s undeniably difficult to discuss song structure in regards to Brockhampton, there is nevertheless clear feeling that this album is a different start for the boys in this respect. I miraculously managed to get tickets to see them at Koko over summer where they put on an incredible show for what was honestly one of the most enthusiastic and supportive crowds I’ve been a part of, who screamed along to every chorus. I personally can’t see the potential for a similar experience with ‘Iridescence’, as there are far less memorable hooks for me, apart from maybe ‘BERLIN’ and the second half of ‘DISTRICT’.

That’s not to say that this detracts from the quality of the music, as I did actually enjoy a lot if this album. It is a more emotional and ironically, in answer to its title, darker album that has allowed the boys to show new sides to them that were previously only hinted towards before with songs like ‘Face.’ My favourite tracks on the album are ‘TAPE’, ‘WEIGHT’, ‘SAN MARCOS’, ‘HONEY’ and ‘TONYA’, which are all mainly sad or reflective songs on which the band experiment with slower and more personal verses, hence why the dynamic of the group feels different. The star performers for me on this album are Joba followed by Merlyn, Kevin and Dom who draw as they each had their own points where they stole the show then probably Bareface and then, surprisingly, Matt. Merlyn shows a lot more variety reminiscent of saturation one where he no longer feels the need to be on full energy at all points and I think this works well. I’m not quite sure what it was about this album that suppressed Matt but for me he just failed to deliver to the level I’d expect from him.

Despite brief highpoints, for example on ‘TAPE’, my disappointment was most ensured by songs like ‘WHERE THE CASH AT?’. Here, Merlyn’s loud energy shapes the song well for Matt’s entry, which is promisingly teased, but upon arrival he just never really went as hard as he should have on a beat where he really had the space to, leaving me with the conclusion that I’d rather have had Joba or Dom on it.

Overall I would say that the album was very enjoyable, but had definite shortcomings and was a step backwards from the saturation trilogy for me. I appreciated the greater space given to members like Joba and how the album was able to delve into more personal topics, giving a greater identity to each member. Furthermore, I understand that this would have been a very difficult album to make and that the weight of expectation would’ve been very heavy, and so all things considered I am labelling it a success. I was pleased with the huge cut down on skits on this album and I liked the London fingerprint clearly placed on the music, mostly from Kevin. I would recommend ‘Iridescence’ for fans, but for first time Brockhampton listeners I would direct you to any of the ‘Saturation’ series first.

7/10

By Aaron Georgious

Favourite song: Either TAPE or WEIGHT.