brakence, Problem Child → Song Review

“Problem Child” marks another ear-catching and intriguing single from the always captivating alternative singer-songwriter brakence.

Noted, brakence (Randall Findell). Never a dull moment with the alternative singer-songwriter, including his single, “Problem Child.” “Problem Child” is the third track from his 2026 album, marroW (arriving October 23). It follows standout singles “crystallized” and “death rolL”. Brakence, Hugo Chan, and Wyatt Otis wrote “Crystallized.” Brakence produced it; Otis provided additional production.

“Problem Child” features memorable, funky guitar riffs. Regarding sound, it’s more straightforward than some of brakence’s other songs.  The biggest selling point: the vocals. I love his tone and how expressively he sings. The dramatic lyrics and unique songwriting are evident in the first verse, excerpted earlier. The second verse is intriguing, too: “I lost all touch and both my hands got tied / So, I’ll chase a scapegoat to kill some time / This purple rain pours through the ozone hole.” Beyond the chorus, the pre-chorus shines: “Since the day that I was born / I been strayin’ from the Lord / With the way the waves are crashin’ at my door / And it’s got me sayin’.” Brakence delivers lovely falsetto during the memorable chorus:

“‘Mother, please forgive me, take me home

I lost it the day I stole the diamonds out your drawer’

She said, ‘You think you’re movin’ clevеr?

No, darling, you could never’

That’s not how this conversation’s gonna go

Don’t say I ain’t told you so (Uh)

Don’t say I ain’t told you so.”

A jazzy harmonic progression follows the second chorus during the bridge. This marks the most unusual part of the song up to this point. “No, mama, don’t cut me slack / I know, I can’t take it back / But I beg you, don’t hang up the phone,” he sings, and continues, “I’ve fallen off the beaten path / I know I got a knack for that / But please, just pull my fingers off my throat.” Even after the song returns to the chorus, it features some unique chords and plays around with the tempo. Ultimately, “Problem Child” marks another winner from the always captivating brakence. 

---

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

---