Brockhampton’s iridescence maintains group’s eclectic trademark

Following a whirlwind of drama including former member Ameer Vann’s abuse allegations, the three month album release delay, scrapped tracks and a near break up, Brockhampton’s fifth studio 

album iridescence proves to be worth the wait and entirely gold.

Their signature edgy sound is not lost as the members take unexpected roles throughout the album. Where Merlyn Wood usually never strays from his aggressive, punchy verses, he can be found taking on a more subdued and relaxed sound on tracks like J’OUVERT. Bearface, who is known for a voice as smooth as liquid gold, 

typically leads the softer, ethereal vocals and brings a second dimension to Brockhampton, making them a more well rounded group. However, this album he brings more than just a pretty voice. He shows us a different side of his talents by rapping for the first time on any album. 

The project includes masterful moments of delicacy and intricacy which respond yet contrast against the sharpness and anger felt throughout. After the loss of Vann, who arguably had the most fine-tuned and razor-edged sound in the group, the vexation in Brockhampton’s music towards the situation is extremely noticeable. Vann’s absence, although not unnoticed, doesn’t lessens the group’s edge. They channeled their sadness and hurt into a clean musical expression to overcome the past and define who they really mean to be. Joba seems to have absorbed or adapted Vann’s quick, fiery verses with his parts on J’OUVERT and BERLIN. Their eclectic sound remains undisturbed, continuing to be fresh with every new release.

One listen through is enough to get hooked; every follow up play through will uncover more and more details and intricacies in their work. This record will define the future of Brockhampton’s 

success and will give them a platform to build off of. It will be remembered as one of the most impressive alternate hip-hop albums of all time, with its inventive, innovative, and erosive yet compassionate atmosphere.

From the dark bass lines of DISTRICT and WHERE THE CASH AT to the tender introspection of SAN MARCOS, WEIGHT and TAPE, iridescence is an plethora of emotions and self-awareness wrapped up in a pretty 15 song record. No line, beat, lyric or adlib is out of place. Brockhampton creates an identity and structure with groundbreaking poise, warranting a smooth path to success and a new era.