Despite what Internet humor may indicate, Brockhampton is neither a CW teen drama, a prestigious boarding school, nor a style or brand of shoe.
Brockhampton's members adamantly refer to themselves as a boy band. And not just any boy band — "the greatest boy band in the world," as they proclaimed during Sunday night's sold-out show at the Fillmore Silver Spring. It's an audacious statement, but Brockhampton has the bandwidth and confidence to attempt to support it.
Brockhampton — established in Texas and based in Los Angeles — consists of more than a dozen members: rappers, producers, even photographers. The group, which functions as its own full-service creative agency, saw its popularity soar in 2017 after releasing the well-received "Saturation" trilogy and starring in the Viceland miniseries "American Boyband." Their model isn't original (it's easy, if lazy, to draw parallels to Odd Future and A$AP Mob), but it's working in their favor because of an ambition and verve that connects with like-minded spirits worldwide.
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Raw energy and enthusiasm go a long way for Brockhampton. It helps them collectively pick up one another's slack, which proved vital Sunday night as founding member and de facto leader Kevin Abstract struggled with his voice after falling ill. Boosted by a seemingly endless supply of confidence, the group has earned a cultlike following that helps it sell out venues such as the Fillmore Silver Spring with ease.
"Best boy band since One Direction," the group announced on "Boogie," bouncing across the stage in the orange jumpsuits they wear in many videos. Rapper Ameer Vann put in extra work on the up-tempo "Star," performing the ailing Abstract's verse in addition to his own. While Brockhampton excels at remaining lively, Sunday night's performances of "Swamp," "Gold" and "Jello" are evidence that the group accomplishes this without needing to be raucous on every song.
The vivacity of the bass-heavy "Bump" is Brockhampton at its finest because it blends perfect discord with a somber hook from Abstract: "And when this ends, at least I'll have a reason to live." The group urged the crowd Sunday night to sing the latter like it was their "last time on Earth" to support Abstract. Buoyant energy, however, is not all Brockhampton has to offer. A magnetic, two-song solo set from artist and producer Bearface was a strong change of pace, as the Northern Ireland transplant ripped through the guitar solo on "Summer" and drew boy-band-worthy screams with his falsetto on "Team."
"Are y'all still alive out there?" the group asked afterward. Brockhampton shows are a blitz of energy — all of it positive, though. And for that reason, they can make a rainy Sunday night in January feel like a sunny Saturday morning in June.
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