"Blanket" - Kevin Abstract Album Review

Kevin Abstract has graced his audience with another solo album, something that fans have been looking forward to for a while. The project gave listeners a new outlook on Abstract’s life in an unequaled way.

“Blanket” is Abstract’s third album and his first release since Brockhampton’s break up. Brockhampton was a hip-hop boy band founded by Abstract in 2010.

The band released nine albums over the years and sadly announced their break up amid their 2022 world tour.

Abstract is no stranger to releasing music on his own, however. His first solo album was released in 2016, titled “American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story.” He released his second album, “Arizona Baby,” in 2019, and fans have been itching for another ever since.

In “Blanket,” Abstract takes a slightly different approach than what his audience is used to. The album has an indie-rock sort of feel to it, featuring a heavy use of guitar and drums.

“Blanket” consists of 13 songs and is 37 minutes long. “Blanket,” “Madonna,” “Running Out” and “What Should I Do?” were the four singles put out by Abstract before the album’s official release on Nov. 3.

The album has a raw, melancholic feel to it. Abstract uses raspy, intimate and muffled vocals throughout most of “Blanket” to portray the tranquil yet somber mood he seems to be going for.

The intro song, “When The Rope Post 2 Break” features very faint sounds of children playing that can be heard behind the vocals. The inclusion of this opens the curtain for the rest of Abstract’s allusions to his adolescence that are featured throughout “Blanket.”

The cohesion of “Blanket” is not something to look past. The placement of each track is perfect, with each song flowing seamlessly into the next. Abstract honing this indie-rock sound on “Blanket” was a fabulous decision.

The ballad of the album, “Voyager,” is a standout track, including whispered lyrics that make the song sound like a recalled memory.

“Mr. Edwards” is track nine on “Blanket,” and is a short instrumental piece that hardens the mood, featuring distorted screeching noises that come as no surprise to any fan of Abstract.

The album closes with “My Friend,” a slow, soft song featuring vocals by MJ Lenderman in the chorus. It has the lyrics “The way I think about you, my friend / No you’ll never understand.”

Closing the album with this song was a beautiful choice by Abstract. The intimate acoustics allow the vulnerability of Abstract and Lenderman’s vocals to shine right through.

Abstract never fails to take his audience on an emotional journey. “Blanket” fits right in with “American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story” and “Arizona Baby.”

Translating his adolescent experiences into music is something that Abstract is absolutely amazing at doing. His lyrics are extremely personal and specific, yet somehow fans can relate to each and every song he writes.

Overall, the attention to detail in this album is perfect. Each instrumental and lyrical choice has a purpose that is crystal clear to listeners. Abstract took a different approach when making “Blanket,” but the release never loses sight of his one-of-a-kind sound.

Rating: 8/10

Reviewer’s favorite songs: “Voyager," “Madonna,” “Running Out”

Reviewer’s least favorite songs: “Mr. Edwards,” “When The Rope Post 2 Break”

Sarah Gavlak is a second-year student majoring in telecommunications. To contact her, please email sng5393@psu.edu.