On alternative rapper detahjae’s newest album “FLARE”, he creates a soundscape of loss, regret, and nostalgia cut with a story lifted from the Disney cartoon “Gravity Falls.” detahjae is known for wearing his influences on his sleeve, and this release was an experimental new direction that unfortunately leaves some to be desired.

detahjae is a relatively new rapper who first gained attention in the alternative rap scene with the song “Janice,” off of his 2024 album “Lone, Borealis.” This album created his small cult following who anxiously anticipated the announcement of his next big release.

The album opens with the title track, “FLARE.” Featuring Sha Crow, the song is a grating change from detahjae’s usual discography, with heavy, distorting guitars and strange vocals. The song is one of my least favorite from the entire album, and it unfortunately sets a tone of excessive noise across the release. 

This track does attempt to bring forth a story, similar to a variety of concept albums that detahjae was clearly inspired by. The album seems to follow detahjae himself, who discovered a device that could wipe the memories of a person, referred to as the Flare. Although the narrative is clear in one or two tracks, even with some deep analysis of the lyrics it is difficult to find any undercurrents of storytelling in much of the album, leaving the attempted concept album sloppily executed, and would have been better left alone.

Following “FLARE” is a string of three very forgettable tracks, “AWAY,” “BLOW?!”, and “SHADES.” “AWAY” is the strongest of the three, featuring longtime collaborator, and fellow alt rap artist Garret Sparrow. I didn’t dislike the song, but nothing stood out, either with detahjae’s rapping or Garret Sparrow’s singing.

The next song “FACE” is one of the best songs of the album. A double track, it neared mediocrity in the first half with another song in the same vein as “AWAY” or “SHADES.” Where “FACE” really shines, however, is in the second half, when the beat switches to a synth-heavy, high reverb electronic drone that, combined with detahjae’s repeated rap verses, create an almost neo-soul track similar to some of Tyler, The Creator’s best songs. 

There were two singles, “TEST?!” and “YOU READY?!” “TEST?!” released along with the announcement of the album, showcasing the myriad experimental styles that give the track its name. Featuring the alternative rappers La Reezy and Garret Sparrow, “YOU READY?!” is easily up there for one of the best songs in detahjae’s discography. The frantic, braggadocious energy channels Tyler, The Creator at his best. The resounding horns that give the track its atmosphere break briefly halfway through to make room for Garret Sparrow’s melodies, and La Reezy’s verse works perfectly with the high-energy beat.

Unfortunately, following the great highs of this album are some pretty terrible lows. “SALIVA” is one of the worst rap songs I’ve ever heard, with strange, pitched-down vocals and vulgar lyrics. detahjae’s normal off-kilter style clashes heavily with the beat, creating a grating sound that really ruins the song for me.

“SALIVA” isn’t alone however, as the song “SHIRLEY TEMPLE” is also absolutely awful. Featuring MARKTWOO, one of the collaborators on detahjae’s hit song “Janice,” this otherwise mediocre and forgettable song is ruined by grating high pitched beep sounds that make it borderline unlistenable. Combined with detahjae’s bored-sounding rapping on this track, it is an unfortunate experience.

Continuing the trend of the highest highs and the lowest lows, the album ends with the incredible “the pain i was trying to forget.” Featuring the angelic vocals of the rising R&B star 3LISE, the song perfectly ties together the storytelling of the album, showing us the key themes of regret, pain, and momentary escape. The song flawlessly blends the high energy, braggadocious motifs of former songs with 3LISE’s incredible singing. It also reflects the first song FLARE with similar production and adlibs, bringing the whole album in a loop with one final word: restart. 

This album was great on my initial listen, but beyond a couple days after its release, I really only returned to the very last song. It’s a great step in the right direction for detahjae and was much better than his debut, but in the end he needs to step away from his influences and create something more original.