Review: BROCKHAMPTON Says Farewell with 'TM'

MusicReview

Nov 19

☆ By Kristine Pascual ☆

I first discovered BROCKHAMPTON in my early high school years. I loved the SATURATION album trilogy as well as Iridescence. Previously from BROCKHAMPTON, I had never heard this type of music and was intrigued. Their music is extremely chaotic, and it rattles my brain that they call themselves a boyband when people typically think of One Direction as a boyband. BROCKHAMPTON was and still is a crucial part of my life musically, and I will continue to follow them through their solo careers. I was one of many fans who was down but I also expected this to come to an end at some point.

Earlier this year BROCKHAMPTON announced at Coachella that that would be their final performance. Fans were devastated but felt that this was coming. After their release of The Family which appeared to be their final album, BROCKHAMPTON drops another album entitled TM. According to a press release, these songs began recording in Ojai in 2021, but went unfinished. Member, Matt Champion executively produced this record. Unlike their previous album which came out just one day before, TM features most of BROCKHAMPTON’s members.

In contrast to The Family, TM sounds and explores themes of a more somber nature with members singing and rapping about themes of their departure and moving on from the band.

The opening song, “FMG” is loud and heavy on the bass. It is pleasing to the ears with heavy use of synthesizers, highlighted with Champion’s verses, “Way she throwin' it so fast you'd think she need some Tommy John.” Champion is smooth and suave with his lyrics and voice.

“NEW SHOES,” has to be one of my favorite tracks on this album, with verses from all of its members. The song is energetic and is blessed with Merlyn Wood’s signature ad-lib “MERLYN!” Abstract is a lyrical genius in this one with his verse, Look at my palm, the riches is crazy / Look at my life, living amazing / Came out the closet and ended up famous and rich / You bitch, you'll never see me complain again / Came from the bottom, was living with friends.”

“KEEP IT SOUTHERN” is so catchy I was bobbing my head in the car when I first listened to it. It features vocals and verses from Abstract and Wood. According to GENIUS, this song underwent technical difficulties and sounds a lot different from its original plan with planned verses from Champion and Bearface.

The closing track, “GOODBYE,” is an emotional one with vocals from Champion and Joba. They sing about the struggles they faced during their time as members of BROCKHAMPTON. It’s a somber and slower track, a nice way to end this record.

BROCHAMPTON delves through themes of hardship within the band and the highs and lows they have encountered as a group. It becomes clear that they faced many issues that stemmed from being a band, but great music came out of it. This record feels like an individual goodbye from each member to tie strings of closure with their fans. A sad but expected departure, fans are proud and excited to see where the members take their solo careers.

Overall, TM is quite the gift for BROCKHAMPTON fans as it brings back their older sounds. Although I love Kevin Abstract, I was disappointed to hear that the album only featured his vocals. So, to be surprised with this final album was a great closing, with most of BROCKHAMPTON’s members being featured. This was perfect for closure between the BROCKHAMPTON and their fans. BROCKHAMPTON is set to perform their final concert tonight at The Fonda.

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