grouptherapy. Comes Into Their Own on New Alternative Hip-Hop Album “i was mature for my age, but i was still a child”

It might be convenient to label grouptherapy. as another hip-hop collective, but their new album, i was mature for my age, but i was still a child, prove it’s just a scapegoat to show their wide-ranging talents. As the fourth album to be released so far from the LA-based trio, it also happens to be the first to feature almost every member on each track, with the exception of “club song :(“ missing SWIM. On the remaining fifteen tracks, Jadagrace, SWIM, and TJOnline are more comparable to a hivemind, resulting in what might be their most complete project to date.

Named after the cult film starring Christian Bale as serial killer Patrick Bateman, “American Psycho” formally opens the album on an eerie note, with only the faint sound of a sinister, hell-raising guitar in the background. SWIM is first up to bat, bringing in a level of aggression appropriate for a title as intense as “American Psycho.” All three air out their grievances with enough conviction to justify getting just a little bit crazy as they repeat on the song’s infectious chorus.

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Contrary to its title, “HOT!” is among the cooler tracks, backed up by an even cooler video of the members running through a subway station as punk zine sketch effects fly across the screen. Initially, the breakneck drums build up to what seems to be an eventual volcanic explosion. Instead, the three of them ride over a transformative beat best described as electronic punk, exuding confidence while they’re at it. The second half unexpectedly moves into a hyperpop-inspired infliction, a welcomed switch-up that allows Jadagrace to glide over the production like it’s nothing.

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grouptherapy. are able to slow things down to a mellow high on “TrunkPoppers.com,” delivering harsh truths in the midst of their starstruck love gaze chorus. Thanks to the rainforest ambiance at the beginning and a slower-paced instrumental, they’re allowed to meditate, showing their knack for introspective lyrics and not embellishing in the slightest.

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And considering the three have all been close friends for over 15 friends, their collective dedication shouldn’t be a surprise. In their own words, they said, “This is the album we’ve been trying to make for the last 5 years. This is for all the kids who had to grow up too fast, to take care of their caretakers, to leave their innocence behind to survive.” Seemingly taking their intentions to heart, the album reflects what is essentially a culmination of finding their sound: marked by raw emotions and crystal-clear production.

Words: David Sosa

i was mature for my age, but i was still a child by grouptherapy. is out on all streaming services. For more on the trio’s music and live shows, including their LA date at The Moroccan Lounge on July 22, follow them on Instagram and their website.