“It Is What It Is” by Thundercat

By Emma Chekroun 

Thundercat’s latest album, “It Is What Is,” opens with the twinkling, dreamlike tracks “Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22-26” and “Interstellar Love.” The 37-minute-long album unfolds like a late-night conversation, existential thoughts and all. 

Thundercat, born Stephen Bruner, flirts with different genres and moods throughout this late-night conversation. From Kamasi Washington’s saxophone solo in “Interstellar Love” to the symphonic close of “I Love Louis Cole,” Brunner proves he is a master of sonic variance. At times, the album feels like it lacks cohesion because it bounces so freely between different moods. But this suits the delirious narcoleptic theme of the album. 

Bruner’s stunning ability to mix thoughtfulness with humor keeps the existentialist theme of the album from becoming depressing. Song titles like “King of the Hill” and “Dragonball Durag” are a throwback to late-night Adult Swim browsing. “Oversees” stands out thanks to comedian Zach Fox’s closing airplane captain monologue.

“Dragon Ball Durag,” the lone music video for the album, is just as comical. Brunner struts around town dancing awkwardly in his all-Gucci outfit, desperately trying to entice a woman, all while donning his dragon ball-print durag. 

The album closes with “Existential Dread” and “It is What it Is.” The songs bleed into one another, presenting the answer to the existential quandary of the album: “When it all comes to an end / When there's nothing left to say / It is what it is.”