BROCKHAMPTON - SATURATION II

Released on August 25, 2017, on the labels EMPIRE and Question Everything, this sixteen-track album with a total runtime of 48 minutes and 08 seconds concludes the series initiated by Saturation and continued by Saturation II.

GUMMY: The opening track that lays the sonic foundation for continuity

The album dives straight into intensity with GUMMY, the opening track from track one. This song, produced by Romil Hemnani with additional contributions from Q3 and Russell Boring, establishes a direct continuity with the previous opus of the trilogy while announcing a major tonal shift. From this first track, the classic architecture of the album is affirmed, creating a solid framework for the explorations that follow. The opening is not merely a technical introduction; it lays the groundwork for a coherence where every member of the group finds their place within a shared project, far beyond just solo figures or guest stars.

Classic structure: between GUMMY and SUMMER

The album's architecture is defined by a clear structure that connects the raw energy of GUMMY to the more intimate conclusion of the record. The track that seals this trajectory is SUMMER, the final numbered song 16, written and produced entirely by Ciarian McDonald. This precarious balance between a punchy beginning and a contemplative ending offers the listener a complete narrative experience. The optimized runtime of nearly half an hour allows each transition to be digested without diluting sonic concentration, making SUMMER far more than just a final logue track, but rather the period at the end of a carefully constructed piece where opening and closing form an inseparable whole.

Team Production: Romil Hemnani dominates an internal collective

At the heart of this project lies a remarkable team production, dominated by Romil Hemnani who appears on the majority of the tracklist's songs. He handles mixing or solo production for tracks like QUEER, JELLO, TEETH, SCENE, JESUS, CHICK, and SUNNY, demonstrating total mastery over the Brockhampton sound. However, this is not a one-man job. The duo Q3, composed of Jabari Manwa and Kiko Merley, as well as Jabari Manwarring as an individual, contribute their touch to specific songs like QUEER, SWAMP, and TOKYO. Other talents integrate into this circle: Russell Boring signs additional contributions on GUMMY and JUNKY, while Ciarian McDonald takes over for solo or co-production of songs 3, 15, and 16. Ian Simpson also intervenes in support on FIGHT and GAMBA. This internal diversity creates a rich sonic tapestry without any credited external contribution, sealing the group's independence from the collaborative scene.

Key Songs: JESUS and SWEET, pillars of the grander ambition

If Romil Hemnani is the central pillar, certain tracks emerge as the true pillars of this grand ambition. JESUS, produced exclusively by Romil Hemnani, illustrates the group's ability to explore deep themes with a sober and effective production. Further into the album, SWEET, produced by Isaiah Merriweather, offers a notable variation in the sonic landscape of the opus while retaining the collective energy. These tracks are not merely isolated songs; they serve as milestones that allow the group to demonstrate that its strength lies in the variety of internal voices rather than in calling on external help. They prove that the project can carry an emotional and musical weight without current star support, thus validating the "in-house" approach chosen for this trilogy conclusion.

Legacy Report: Trilogy Conclusion Sealing an Era

Historically, Saturation III stands as the most refined and powerful version of the Saturation series, marking an artistic peak before the arrival of future projects like iridescence in 2018. This album represents far more than a mere entry in a sequence; it is the testimony of an era coming to an end with Ameer Vann's departure just months after the release, in May 2018. Considered by critics as the group's most intelligent and ambitious conclusion, it validates the risks taken to maintain total control over production and image.

Technical Specifications

- Release: August 25, 2017 - Label: EMPIRE, Question Everything - Tracks: 16 (48 min 08 s) - Opening / Closing: GUMMY / SUMMER - Previous Album: ALL-AMERICAN TRASH (2016)