From their record label’s website, Toronto singer and guitarist/BRKN LOVE founder Justin Benlolo dropped out of school at 16 with one goal in mind…“all I could ever focus on was being on stage, screaming into a microphone, and playing my guitar in a rock and roll band for the world to hear,” he exclaims. He found the “gloom” of the city isolating. He retreated into himself and devoted the requisite “10,000 hours” to his craft, spending all of his time woodshedding and perfecting his voice. A change of scenery helped as the budding talent traded the East Coast for the West Coast and settled in Los Angeles. “The name represents who I am,” Justin leaves off. “You can honestly be a hopeless romantic and play tough music. Most of the lyrics deal with love and loss. That’s the vibe. You can share your feelings and still rock your face off at the end of the day. It’s what I’m going to do.”

“20/20 Vision” is first. The riff is fuzzy, and energetic, and the vocals are smooth. As is common in the umbrella term of Rock Music, much of the power and the hooks are delivered in the chorus. “Diamonds” has another fuzzy riff but the vocals are harmonized. It reminds me of the power of grunge in the guitars, but they are keeping the vocals more in the Rock genre, and not committing fully to Grunge. It’s another catchy song either way. “Cruel” is another catchy song, but so far, the three offering aren’t too varied. The album has energy, and the songs are authentic, but I would like to hear more variety. “Callous” has a wooden block drum beat led sound, followed by another fuzzy riff and catchy chorus. There is some substance here, just not a lot of sonority or big moments.

“12 Wings” has a bit of a funky beat, and this is the kind of diversity I am talking about. It’s introspective, and welcoming, at the same time. “kiss me goodbye, cause this the last time,” he croons. “Pulling Leeches” leads with bass guitar, and here comes more diversity. It has that classic WHITE STRIPES drum beat to it, and there is also some classic cowbell. ”Shades of You” has a heavier sound that crawls on the ground like an unsuspicious snake who fools you into thinking he won’t strike at any moment. The best part might be the vocal harmonies, but I also appreciate the darker tones and the smoking guitar solo. “Break the Same” has an 80’s feeling to it from the strummed guitar chords and lighthearted beats, and the chorus delivers another big sound. “Shiver” is the final song, and it has many tender qualities to it.

This is honest, good tasting, and genuine Rock and Roll. 12 songs however were two or three too many in my opinion, especially considering how many of the songs were similar to one another. If he can crack that nut, there is no reason that he can’t go far in music.