ARIZONA BABY – Kevin Abstract

Harry

When Kevin first started releasing singles in the lead up to this album, the sceptic inside me immediately thought this might be a bunch of B-sides rejected by the other members of BROCKHAMPTON. However, I have been very much proven wrong. Not only do these songs feel distinctly different from the work of BROCKHAMPTON, but well crafted songs combining his singer-songwriter-rap styles exceptionally. Compared to the ambition concept that runs through his previous effort: American Boyfriend, this album feels more like a collection of songs Kevin has worked on in his spare time to keep busy as his mates are out doing interviews or signing autographs. This casualness is transferred to the listening experience and feels like a sketchbook of ideas full of variety and quality. 

83/100

Zach

“Who the fuck is Kevin Abstract?” I dismissed Harry’s suggestion almost immediately having no prior knowledge whatsoever. After Harry patronisingly informed me that he was the main guy in BROCKHAMPTON, I was even more reluctant. however, we are nothing if not adaptable, and here we are. Listening to ARIZONA BABY surprisingly had almost zero emotional effect on me. I thought that Kevin Abstract’s style was very familiar to me, not necessarily in a tired way, but in a way that made the album pleasant to listen to. Abstract explores some nice textures throughout the project, and the trackless is varied song-to-song while still maintaining a coherent voice. However there was really nothing that stood out to me as being particularly good or bad. I do wish he would talk about being gay a bit more infrequently though. A pleasant listen, but nothing special. 

Fave Tracks: Big Wheels

73/100