brakence, death rolL → Song Review

The talented brakence once more drops a striking alternative bop with “death rolL,” an advance single from his album, marroW.

Say what, brakence (Randall Findell)?! Over the years, brakence has shown how unique he is as an artist. “death rolL,” which was released alongside “crystallized”, finds Findell ‘doing the damn thang’ one more.  You’ll be hard-pressed to find something that sounds like “death rolL” on the radio; it embraces its alternative, hyperpop, one-of-a-kindness.  Brakence, Hugo Chan, and Wyatt Otis wrote “Crystallized.” Brakence produced it; Otis provided additional production. 

“Death rolL” has lots going on. That is part of its charm.  There are distinct, glitchy, rhythmic, and unusual sounds.  The production is D-O-P-E, PERIODT! Plenty of riffs and musical ideas pique the ear.  The syncopated grooves kick ass and take names.  Do you know who else kicks ass and takes names? Brakence! He delivers a compelling cadence and flow by brakence. “Death roll off the tongue like a taipan / Tadpole out the egg with a virus,” he sings in the second verse, and adds, “Hellholes open up my irises / Burning papyrus, just test me, I’ll be there with a pen.” Ooh-wee! He sings beautifully, melodically raps with swagger, and exudes plenty of personality. Around 2:03, the heavy sound eases up a bit. Brakence remains fiery, including a timely mf-bomb in the third verse (“Death will come around and crush you like a little bug / Gobble up another motherfucker gettin’ smug”). But after hearing him showcase a more tender side, the outro is insane! There is more glitching, and also all-in, spirited rock (“Turn me to a smart-ass riddled with dysfunction, but I still love myself”). Randall Findell, you are one of one.  “Death rolL” – also one-of-one!

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