Brockhampton just wrapped their first ever European tour, including a stop at London’s KOKO and Reading and Leeds festivals. They’ve blown a few minds in this brief stopover, and followed it up by announcing a new album.
Apparently ‘made in London’, ‘IRIDESCENCE’, is coming this September. If you’re a bit overwhelmed, here’s a quick guide to the world’s best boyband.
The leader of the group, Kevin Abstract created Brockhampton by asking if anyone wanted to start a band on fan forum KanyeToThe back in 2010. Kevin handles most of the hooks and the catchy chorus-y bits, but raps as well – a standout verse of his being on ‘JUNKY’.
Best verse: ‘JUNKY’, ‘BOOGIE’
Probably the most consistent member of the group, Matt Champion opens a good portion of Brockhampton’s discography. He’s got a really unique voice when rapping, but also takes on some of the band’s softest moments – see: his lil’ singing part on ‘RENTAL’.
Best Verse: ‘RENTAL’, ‘GOLD’, ‘JUNKY’
JOBA is extremely versatile. He raps in a million different styles, and generally looks a bit mental when he’ doing it (the best example is in ‘SWEET’). Much like Matt, JOBA sings a few hooks, most notably the really sweet chorus on ‘FACE’.
Best verse: ‘SWEET’, ‘FACE’
Arguably the best rapper in Brockhampton, Dom McLennon is a technical powerhouse. He’s super clever with his verses and is fantastically skilled – so much so that it’s nearly impossible to pick a highlight. His standout moment comes on ‘GOLD’, although he gets some really fun bits on ‘BOOGIE’ and ‘SWEET’.
Best verse: ‘GOLD’, ‘BOOGIE’, ‘SWEET’
Merlyn Wood delivers some of Brockhampton’s most memorable lines (hello ‘SWEET’). He’s so much fun to listen to (and watch), but of course, he has a softer side too, taking a really emotional opening verse on ‘MILK’.
Best verse: SWEET, MILK
Bearface isn’t a rapper. He sings bits here and there, and takes the final track on each ‘Saturation’ album, and it’ll all make you a bit weepy.
Best song: ‘SUMMER’
Listen to this one first. This track is literally so much fun. Like, I dare you to not boogie to it. This song never ever drops off.
No song better exemplifies Brockhampton’s whole ethos than ‘JUNKY’. Kevin’s verse about being gay and Matt’s verse about rape culture are possibly two of the most important verses in hip hop this side of the millennium.
Another really fun track, ‘SWEET’ has highlights from a bunch of the members, and a dead catchy instrumental and chorus.
One of the first singles from the ‘Saturation’ trilogy, ‘GOLD’ is another one that showcases ‘best’ ‘bits’ from Dom and Matt, as well as the catchiest hook in the world.
If you want a taste of Brockhampton’s softer side, but don’t want to lose out on the catchiness, have a listen to ‘BLEACH’. Come on kids get ya lighters out and wave em.
The band’s debut mixtape released back in 2016. None of this stuff really gets performed live anymore, and it’s nowhere near as revolutionary as what was to come, but it was enough to make an impression.
Debut studio album ‘SATURATION’ is a rap heavy, 17-track long affair that really grabbed the world’s attention, and spawned two more records.
Released just a couple of month’s after ‘SATURATION’, ‘SATURATION II’ contains some of the bands best performances and remains a firm fan favourite.
The strongest of the ‘SATURATION’ trilogy, ‘SATURATION III’ has some of the catchiest hooks, and delves deep into Brockhampton’s emo side.
Three scrapped albums. ‘TEAM EFFORT’ was due for release way back in March, with the band tweeting they’re saving it for another time. ‘PUPPY’ was due to be released in June, but it all went a bit tits up when Ameer got kicked out about a week before, so chances are that one will never see the light of day. Most recent singles ‘1999 WILDFIRE’, ‘1998 TRUMAN’ and ‘1997 DIANA’ were all said to be from ‘BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES’, but with an album with a completely different title and aesthetic coming up, who knows if this one is still a go?
Upcoming fourth album ‘IRIDESCENCE’ was announced for release in September following triumphant sets at Reading & Leeds, and is said to be ‘made in London’. Kevin posted a lovely Instagram of Abbey Road Studios too, so we can assume it’s being ‘done’ there. All very exciting.
— BROCKHAMPTON (@brckhmptn) August 26, 2018
not tryna lead anyone on or anything i just want us to keep making stuff we’re proud of and put it out when we’re ready i mean it from the bottom of my heart when i say thank you for your patience. iridescence
— kevin abstract (@kevinabstract) August 26, 2018
Words: Abigail Firth
