Kevin Abstract's Rock Star Era Begins With "Blanket"
Photo: Arseni Khachaturan
Kevin Abstract's rockstar era has officially begun with the release of his new single "Blanket." After his surprise intimate performances in New York last night and Los Angeles last week, Abstract marks his official return to his solo career with the short, rocky, ominous track featuring just a few lyrics with repeating yelps backed by a rocky guitar and drums.
On the single, Abstract alternates between whispering, "Memory, memory, memory," and yelping over scuzzy grunge guitar riffs. Sitting at just two minutes, the hookless, free-form single gives off a preview-like feel, a statement of intent, signaling that there is so much more to come from this new music chapter.
The accompanying music video, directed by Abstract and Cole Bat, follows the idiosyncratic artist surrounded by his imaginary furry friends as he holds a creepy-looking doll and watches TV news, which alerts viewers of "apocalyptic meteors to plummet earth," with someone named Lucky Edwards claiming responsibility. Abstract starts shaking his doll in fear while the three furries cook a meal before they all head out into the fields. Abstract is seen with a chainsaw as he dances with the furries and waits for the meteors to arrive. By the end, he climbs into a large truck and drives off as the meteors hit Earth and some kids play with VR equipment.
The new music comes about a year after BROCKHAMPTON released their final album, The Family, after announcing that they would go on an "indefinite hiatus" last January. At the time, BROCKHAMPTON shared on social media, "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being on this journey with us. We would not be here without our fans. We hope we've been able to inspire you as much as you have us these past eight years." The new track is the first taste of solo music from Abstract since dropping Arizona Baby in 2019, which featured standout tracks like "Baby Boy," "Mississippi," and "Peach." Since then, he's released collaborations with the likes of $NOT, Ryan Beatty, Easy Life, and Baird.
Watch the "BLANKET" video below:
