On September 21, BROCKHAMPTON, the self-produced rap group from San Marcos, Texas, released their fourth studio album, iridescence. Shifting their sound in these new tracks, they can only hope their fans stand by their side.

Story by Thomas Galindo

With iridescence being the first project created under their recently-signed record label RCA, the group prepared fans for an evolved sound. “OUR ALBUM DOESN’T SOUND LIKE SATURATION SO YOU CAN STOP HOPING FOR THAT LOVE ALL THE SUPPORT THOUGH MY PHONE ON 1% [sic],” tweeted lead vocalist Kevin Abstract.

Over the course of 2017, the collective debuted a three-piece album set, SATURATION, SATURATION II and SATURATION III, all of which followed BROCKHAMPTON’s familiar, classic flare. Saying goodbye to their old style will certainly make fans nostalgic, but it also gives new fans an opportunity to see the band’s journey.

Nearing the album release date, an exclusive screening of the band’s documentary titled, “The Longest Summer in America,” premiered across the country. This self-produced film discussed the making of iridescence and how they’re handling newfound fame. It also touched on the relationship abuse scandal by a former lead member, Ameer Vann. It was apparent that discovering the allegations against Vann was devastating for the entire group.

His eventual departure brought raw transparency to their finalized album. The 48-minute project is loaded with character, versatility and dynamic lyrics. Many tracks resemble those from SATURATION, while others reflect a new, distinctive style.

As seen on previous albums, BROCKHAMPTON places the most fiery, hard-hitting track of the album as their first song. Just like “HEAT” (SATURATION), “GUMMY” (SATURATION II), and “BOOGIE” (SATURATION III), “NEW ORLEANS” is a high-energy track that highlights the strengths of each member. Here, we get a taste of the new product Abstract was advertising, with the band’s first-ever feature showcasing fellow up-and-coming rapper and close friend, Jaden Smith.

After a stunning transition, the second track of the album, “THUG LIFE” truly begins to usher in the new era of BROCKHAMPTON with Ciarán McDonald, better know as “bearface,” filling the character gap left behind by Vann.

In a moment of vulnerability, the band steps back to let Abstract, their frontman, take the lead for “WEIGHT.” Kicking off with a somber verse, his voice is sprinkled with autotune and packed with standout verses about the old days and his struggle to discover and embrace his sexuality. The transparency is palpable throughout, specifically when the beat picks up and JOBA raps about life’s unfairness.

That carries into singer Dom McLennon’s verse played over violins, epitomizing the song’s title by retrospectively examining fame’s constant pressures. JOBA ends the song detailing his experience with fame, a stand-out moment on the record. “Pressure makes me lash back, wish I could get past that. I can’t take a step back, make me wish you’d pass that,” proclaims JOBA in the final moments of “WEIGHT.”

Displaying arguably the best performance on the album, “J’OUVERT” also debuted as a music video on the album release date. The majority of the group took a backseat as JOBA fully enveloped the track. With his chorus serving as a calm before the storm, he delivers one of the the group’s hardest hitting, strongest verses, leaving lasting words even in the minds of long-time fans. The verse alone stands with the likes of MERLYN on “HEAT” and the song “BOOGIE”. MERLYN tweeted such a sentiment upon the album’s debut, “JOBA on J’ouvert >>>>>>> Everything else by anybody this year.” MERLYN then keeps the energy up after a beat switch and bearface smoothly ties the song together before another chorus.

Toward the end of the album, listeners can anticipate a few tear-jerkers. “SAN MARCOS” is a tribute to the band’s hometown, located 45 minutes outside of Austin. The group strings together heart-wrenching verses, before leading into a chant sung by a children’s choir awakening the haunting thoughts that grow into words. If you don’t get goosebumps from this performance, blood may not be circulating in your body.

BROCKHAMPTON first debuted heartfelt song, “TONYA,” on a summer episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Opening with a piano solo, the group repeatedly apologizes for wrongdoings and missed opportunities. They miss their families, reminisce on days before music, and crave their lives prior to fame. It all implies a certain resentment surrounding their path to success.

In the final song “FABRIC,” the band speaks directly to their more impatient fans. In a powerful chorus, Abstract calls out fans and critics alike, who lack an empathy and understanding of the group’s background and artistic point of view. Vocalizing the pressure and scrutiny the band is under, they conclude that they’ve reached a creative peak.

The group has noticeably evolved since their SATURATION days. This is evident in the lyricism brought to the table. Having all struggled side-by-side with similar challenges, the album’s cohesive theme and the unity between members created a listening experience that felt connected and personal, almost as if a loved one was divulging a secret. The group focused on being transparent and gave fabulous insight into the state of the band, their journey along the way, and how they conquered their demons.

Unlike SATURATION, Abstract took on a much larger production role this time around, and was not a part of nearly every track. He had a vision for iridescence, and each band member executed it beautifully — together.