Riveting with attitude and sexual tension, BRKN LOVE uses an authentic hard rock style to captivate younger audiences without shifting towards the newer metal scenes or taking steps back to the traditional anthems of our parents’ youths. Instead, the band takes their many influences and weaves them into something electrifying, keeping rock and roll dangerous with plenty of grit and spirit. The Program is the band’s newest record, with a release date for the end of March. With twelve raging tracks and a sound that hits like a shot of caffeine, BRKN LOVE, headed by frontman Justin Benlolo chalks up the energy with an album that demands to be played loud.
Buzzing with distortion, The Program takes off with “2020 Vision.” The first track juggles a fuzzy sound, as if blasted through vintage speakers, amping up the rhythm for a fist-pumping chorus. Dreary, sultry vocals howl out the chorus, ‘Don’t you wanna come a little closer baby entertain me, maybe you will love me, but you’ll probably hate me,” daring and playful.
“Rear View Mirror” moves in with sluggish deep grooves, while the subject matter feels stuck in the past. A restless, disturbed feeling haunts the narrative. “Rear View Mirror” fades out in an acoustic strum, leaving traces of melancholy and the feeling of being left alone while the world moves on.
As for “Diamonds,” the third track is nothing short of a banger. The muted pre-chorus leads up to a pumped-up hook with flavorful vocals that hit the right spot with a kick. Filth, angst and snappy lyrics captivate and manipulate audiences, a track so hot you can almost taste the sweat. Throw in the steady beat of the kick drum and raunchy concluding riffs, and it’s obvious that “Diamonds” is a song meant to be played live and loud to a hungry crowd.
Tough love and attitude? That’s covered in “Cruel,” a raging lovers’ quarrel. Hard riffs and echoed howls exude a passion so intimate and rough, and like this dangerous lover Benlolo sings about, this song will keep you coming back for more.
The drum-led “Callous” bounces off with poetic imagery in the lyrics and subtle cowbell effect in the background. Gritty, curb-stomping, with a punchy rhythm that moves listeners to their feet.
The buzzy “Unholy,” pulls you in with tense energy and intoxicating rhythm. This sinful bop is laced with sexual power from the high harmonic croons to the thumping bass. The fuzzy distortion weaves in and out, heavy in the chorus and laying low to give credit to the harmonies. “Unholy” has industrial undertones with a heaviness that resembles the heat of a nightclub, a stimulating griminess that calls for bad decisions.
“12 Wings,” feeds listeners with rhythmic groovy melodies. The verses beg to be let go, pleading for an exit, while the chorus twists the pleading into a demand, with a simple enough-is-enough message. Little licks spice up the song, adding heat to the rhythm.
The hip-shaking “Pulling Leeches,” bursts with a dangerous lust. Muted vocals full of distortion and witty lines sung out in a callous tone. The drums pound with fury, kicking the song into high gear, and a heavy finale closes it out.
“Wisdom Teeth,” gives us that trademark sharp attitude. If a smirk had a sound, it would be this song. Thick roaring riffs that rise on the chorus with mystifying howls, there’s not much to dislike. The fist-pumping chaos is back with “Wisdom Teeth,” made stronger by a fast solo ascending the fretboard.
Low, and groovy, “Shades of You” is filled with fiery licks and deep bass. A bluesy pub sound infiltrated with sleazy vocals and ever-changing tempos; there’s power in the chorus line “Lie like you always do.” A lengthy solo captivates, using the fretboard as a playground and stretching all over the place before bringing it back down to the low rhythm.
“Break the Same,” compels with a disco beat, less blues and more funk in its swing. With the lines, “I’m sorry to say that I won’t ever change my ways, our hearts don’t break the same,” this song is all about moving on and keeping the party going. The beat pulls you onto the dance floor, with a sound made even more intense by the bass-heavy instrumentals, a muted bridge and a persuasive clap.
“Shiver” is the vulnerable finale, melodic and slow. Prose-styled imagery is strong here, painting a picture with lyrics that sing like dark poetry. The instrumentals don’t overpower the vocals but instead come together in subtle melodies and riffs that pull the story forward, saving strength for the last bridge of the album.
The Program doesn’t lose momentum once, with each song hitting in just the right places. Powerful and tough, sincere with a lot of spunk, BRKN LOVE’S newest release carries the raw energy of a live performance while being entirely studio.
Album Review by I’m Music Magazine Writer Alice Kearney
