brakence, crystallized → Song Review

One of one, brakence drops an ear-catching alternative bop with “crystallized,” an advance single from his album, marroW.

Yeah, brakence (Randall Findell)… I think.  Brakence has always been unique. “Crystallized,” an advance single and the 13^th track from his third studio album, marroW, continues his musical uniqueness. Brakence, Hugo Chan, and Wyatt Otis wrote “Crystallized.” Brakence produced it; Chan co-produced; Otis served as an additional producer.

“Crystallized” has a unique sound. It’s the keyboards, I think! It fits the alternative billing perfectly. Brakence’s expressive, unique, emo-tinged vocals remain striking.  His instrument is special. The chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece.  It is the first section he performs:

“She rips me out of my body

Her lips are tearing my heart open for the millionth time

Maybe we’ve been crystallized, ah

My cheeks go red as a garnet

‘Cause she’s so bad, I swear to God spoke before I closed my eyes.”

Beyond the chorus, brakence delivers his fair share of unforgettable lyrics and tuneful melodies. “Yeah, I can get a bit cooked, but that’s how it’s supposed to be,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “When knocked down, I get back up boastfully.” Word.  He also drops some swears. “Who would’ve thought since I said, ‘My bad,’ let the bitterness go / I kick back and get my head out that fuckin’ phone,” he sings in the second verse, and continues, “Picked up the slack ‘cause all that bitchin’ was getting’ old.” He drops more f-bombs in the outro, for good measure.  Brakence remains one of one. “Crystallized” is a bop. Pop-enough, but also very much alternative.  Great vocals, memorable lyrics, tuneful melodies, and striking production make this a winner.

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brakence → marroW → Columbia Records → 10.23.26 [📷: Columbia Records]

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