QUICKSPINS: BROCKHAMPTON – ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE

ROADRUNNER is a return to the lively energetic form BROCKHAMPTON became known for.

BROCKHAMPTON’s newest LP ROADRUNNER is a departure from the depressive and mellow aesthetic of their last album GINGER, as this new record sees the boy band going towards a more mature and hopeful direction.

ROADRUNNER is BROCKHAMPTON’s seventh major release in five years, and even though there was a year-and-a half-long wait for a new record, which seems like an eternity for the band, they did the right thing — taking time for themselves to breathe and let the dust settle after GINGER.

On GINGER, BROCKHAMPTON’s mood was at an all-time-low, mostly dealing with the departure of member Ameer Vann, resulting in some of their most downhearted and desperate songs to date. ROADRUNNER truly proves that the boy band has turned the page for good on this somber chapter by delivering one of their most focused and absorbing projects to date.

The band is undoubtedly in great shape on this new album and offers anything you would want or see from a BROCKHAMPTON record. They deliver their most aggressive and in-your-face bangers like on “BANKROLL” and on the abrasive opener “BUZZCUT,” which, in the context of the album, strikes even harder than solely as a single. They also haven’t shied away from making some of the most polished and sweetest pop tunes in the industry with songs like “I’LL TAKE YOU ON” and “WHAT’S THE OCCASION?” — both containing some of their most infectious and enticing choruses to date.

As is standard on a BROCKHAMPTON album, we can’t forget a bearface-led outro track that instantly puts you in your feelings, like on “DEAR LORD.” The boy band still finds time to unwind with some laid back and feel-good rap unmissables with songs such as “WHEN I BALL” and “WINDOWS,” the latter being a posse cut that sees every member come up with a hard-hitting verse. ROADRUNNER surely has something for everyone to enjoy while also being extremely reliable.

Kevin Abstract and Dom McLennon especially shine on this project with introspective verses, dropping one bar after another. Highlights include Kevin’s verse on “BUZZCUT,” “THE LIGHT” and on “THE LIGHT PT.II,” and Dom’s verses on “CHAIN ON” and “WHEN I BALL.”

Although the performances are top-notch, it is the production that unquestionably steals the show. Every single beat on this project is incredibly well-crafted and thoughtful, all aiming for a clear sentiment in their own unique way. Some of the best instrumentals include “COUNT ON ME,” “BANKROLL,” and “THE LIGHT.”

ROADRUNNER is the closest BROCKHAMPTON has come to reaching the level of greatness they once achieved on the legendary SATURATION trilogy, with the new endeavour seeing the boy band pursue this epic run. This new album is another incredible installment in their discography and is one of their most consistent and meticulous efforts yet.

Score: 9/10

Trial track: “COUNT ON ME”

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