Review BRKN LOVE “The Program”

“The Program” is the title of the third album from Canadian rock enthusiasts BRKN Love. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, the band is the brainchild of singer and guitarist Justin Benlolo, who founded the group in 2018. After signing with Spinefarm Records, BRKN Love released a debut album in 2020, followed by the sophomore effort “Black Box” in 2022.

The third full-length from the Canadian rock powerhouse features 12 dynamic rock songs. One of the lead singles for the album is a song called “Pulling Leeches”. It is a dark tune about breaking the chains and freeing yourself from what is holding you back. Musically, the pounding song is inspired by bands like The White Stripes and The Black Keys.

“The Program” begins with another single the band released prior to the album’s release. “20/20 Vision” is a modern rock song that is full of power and energy. While the verse is kept dark and melancholic, it is the chorus that marks the rocking outburst. In a way, “20/20 Vision” frames the sound of BKRN Love very well. The roaring rock moments alternate with emotional sequences that spread a moving vibe.

The latter also applies to the moderately paced “Rear View Mirror”, which slowly creeps into the listener’s subconscious. There is a constant wistfulness that surrounds songs like “Cruel”, but with all the emotional depth, each of these twelve songs is a vibrant piece of rock music.

“Unholy” is more of a musical curveball, while “Shades of You” shows some grunge references. More funky and lighthearted is “Break the Same”, before it’s up to the grooving “Shiver” to round off a pretty good rock album.

“The Program” is a lively and dynamic rock album that covers the whole range from roaring loud to emotionally deep. BRKN Love release an album that will help the band to strengthen their role in rock music and is one of the really cool rock bands in ‘Blue Jays’ city.