Kevin Abstract, the visionary former frontman of Brockhampton and a prolific solo force, continues to demonstrate his penchant for the unexpected. Recently, while touring through Australia and New Zealand as support for Lorde, the artist stopped by the iconic Triple J studios to record a contribution to their celebrated Like A Version cover series. For his selection, Abstract chose “Goodbye Horses,” the haunting 1988 darkwave staple by Q Lazzarus, best remembered for its chilling association with The Silence Of The Lambs.
A New Emotional Territory for a Classic
Accompanied by a lush ensemble of two violins and two cellos, Abstract delivered a rendition that stripped the synth-pop classic down to its raw, emotional core. In a candid behind-the-scenes interview, he admitted to reading the lyrics from his phone—joking that his lock screen featuring a picture of Marty Mauser was simply too iconic to hide. “I chose this song just because I love it so much,” Abstract explained. “I tried to take it to a new territory emotionally and color-palette-wise. It’s just a new shape for that song. It’s a new way to hear it.”
Debuting “The Feeling”
The string arrangement wasn’t reserved solely for the cover. Abstract utilized the ensemble to debut his own original composition, “The Feeling.” The track channels a nostalgic late-2000s to early-2010s aesthetic, a sonic nod to his formative years on the Kanye To The forum where the seeds of Brockhampton were sown. “I was trying to write a song that was about me being confused, searching for answers and being ok with not receiving answers,” Abstract noted in his interview with Triple J. “And being OK with not playing God all the time, and letting it be what it is.”
Looking Ahead: Honey In My Hair
Speculation is mounting that “The Feeling” will feature on his highly anticipated forthcoming album, Honey In My Hair. Having spent time in Austin, Texas, focusing on his sobriety and creative output, Abstract has been teasing the project extensively on social media. His recent posts reveal a man in a state of deep reflection, noting that he has already consumed 53 films this year alone. He even revisited the Brockhampton Saturation documentary, marveling at the ten-year milestone of that era. Beyond music, the artist teased that he is currently writing a screenplay of his own.
A Mutual Admiration
The Australian tour alongside Lorde proved to be a transformative experience for Abstract. Before the tour commenced, he took to Instagram to share a poignant message of gratitude toward the New Zealand pop star. He described the opportunity as a “dream, the kind you don’t say out loud in case it disappears.” He praised her vulnerability and precision, promising to bring that same level of “armor-less” honesty to his own performances every night.
