BRKN LOVE - BLACK BOX
credit: daniel dorta
In a world where it feels like rock music is largely represented in the mainstream through alternative sub-genres such as pop punk or emo rap, BRKN LOVE consistently brings us back to a time when gritty, hard-hitting, straight-up rock and roll had the power to change lives. Black Box, the band’s sophomore album and official follow-up to their self-titled debut, helps rock music make quite the comeback with their various generous love from Canadian rock charts and support from Spotify editorial playlists such as “Rock This,” “New Noise,” and “All New Rock.”
Although this is only the band’s second full-length album, many of these songs were released as early as November 2021, allowing fans the opportunity to get a real taste of what the band’s new sound will feel like before the full-length album’s release on November 4, 2022. Although Black Box did allow for a new collection of work, so many tracks were waterfalled into this release, that by the time the full-length album was available for fans to listen to, there were only two un-released tracks. Even though this is technically a full-length album with 11 unique tracks that perfectly fit together stylistically and melodically, the non-traditional lead-up towards Black Box caused the ultimate release to feel incredibly anti-climactic.
Lead vocalist Justin Benlolo is a force to be reckoned with. His smooth, clean-cut vocals add a modern edge to the otherwise classic and nostalgic rock melodies and lyrics. Still, he demonstrates an incredible ability to transform his voice to fit the classic, raspy rock inflections when necessary. Although each song on this record hits extremely hard melody-wise, anyone who listens to Black Box can tell you - this album would be nothing without Benlolo’s undeniable talent.
Although this album can satisfy any craving that a classic rock and roll fan may have to relive the good old days, it tends to play more like a set list than an album. Rather than each song perfectly fitting into the puzzle and contributing a missing piece to the overall art-form that is the album as a whole, the tracks tend to blend together at a certain point throughout the record. This may not necessarily be a flaw on the band’s end, but rather a flaw to the sub-genre as a whole. When every song is written with the live performance in mind, the art of an album is lost, and your record just becomes a collection of songs that loosely hold the same vibe.
With all of that being said, there is not a single track on this album that does not hit extremely hard. It’s almost impossible to listen to this record without imagining yourself singing along with the band in a grimy underground music venue. Each melody holds a unique power through different guitar riffs and epic drum beats. With every single song feeling extremely gritty and hard-hitting, this album was designed for listeners to scream out their frustrations at a live show.
Although many often compare them to other modern rock bands such as The Wrecks or The Pretty Reckless, BRKN LOVE is 100% unique. Their epic guitar solos, heavy melodies, and raspy vocals bring us back to the classic rock hits of the 1970s and 1980s, but they never fail to put their own unique spin on a classic genre. In a world where straight-up rock music can sometimes feel hard to come by, BRKN LOVE is the perfect band for anyone who misses the days when rock and roll ruled the world.
Emily Gottlieb
★★★★☆