ALBUM REVIEW: BRAKE LOOSE Debut EP “Frenetic” Out In May

The blurb for Brake Loose is that they are a rock band that describe themselves as dirty, mischievous and fearless. There’s no gimmicks, no clichés, just pure, unfiltered energy. Blending classic raw Rock ‘n’ Roll with contemporary sonics, they’ve been shaking up stages across Ireland and beyond with a sound that’s as fierce as it is addictive.

They are releasing their debut EP “Frenetic” on 30 May this year and a copy dropped into the Happy Metal Geek mail box. After listening through the snappy EP of five songs it was clear they have a very interesting energetic sound.

The album kicks off with the high energy 80s pop punk “Dancing on the Red Line” with catchy flamboyant beats, high paced rhythm and a synth-pop kick. It brings back pleasant memories of late New Romantics but with a modern twist. “Treat Her Like A Rose” blasts in next hitting the Billy Idol itch you didn’t know you had. Chugging guitar with captivating rhythms, slamming beats and clean powerful vocals make this an instant crowd pleaser that will have them jumping in time.

“Love On Fire” is next with a heavy chugging theme as it thumps along with an oddly The Cult feel. Its perfectly delivered with a dose of rock attitude and hits the spot for an audience sing along. “Kiss Me Bye Bye” slams in with an almost Def Leppard rhythm while the whole tune is along with the vocals has that velvety Billy Idol snarling delivery. It has a real cinematic anthem feel and just feels like it reaches almost every emotion.

The final song is “REBEL REBEL (Evil Like The Devil)” has a fantastic synth rock industrial pumping rhythm that just grabs your attention from the first note. It covers so many genres in one go but is mixed to bring out the best flavour from each. it is just thumping, pumping rock fun.

Brake Loose - Treat Her Like A Rose (Official Music Video)

Happy Metal Geek says…

Irish band Brake Loose have delivered a well produced debut EP that shows a range of styles they can expertly land without much seeming effort. They sound like a group of friends who have served their apprenticeship with distinction. Tight, catchy, fun, rocking and absolutely solid, the EP fits its name perfectly and sets a high standard for the band to keep attaining as they launch themselves on an unsuspecting public. There are no forgettable tracks as each one could be a single on its own. What a superb debut and well worth picking up for your music library. Here’s to a full album, which may be coming late this year so keep your eye out for any news.

‘Frenetic’ Tracklist:

Dancing on the Red Line
Treat Her Like a Rose
Love on Fire
Kiss Me Bye Bye
REBEL REBEL (Evil Like the Devil)

Brake Loose is a rock band that describe themselves as dirty, mischievous and fearless. There’s no gimmicks, no clichés, just pure, unfiltered energy. Blending classic raw Rock ‘n’ Roll with contemporary sonics, they’ve been shaking up stages across Ireland and beyond with a sound that’s as fierce as it is addictive. Led by Venezuelan singer and poet Alex Murillo, with guitarist David O’Grady, bassist Juanjo Pulpeiro, and drummer Nando Alonso, Brake Loose delivers a live show that doesn’t just demand attention—it grabs you by the collar and pulls you right to the front.

Originally launched as Live Wire in 2019, the band underwent a radical rebirth during the pandemic, emerging in 2021 under the name Brake Loose. Since then, they have cemented themselves as a powerhouse in the Irish rock scene—selling out The Workman’s Club three times, commanding major festival stages, and earning recognition in Hot Press Magazine as one of the ‘Hot Irish Acts for 2022’.

Their breakout single “REBEL REBEL (Evil Like the Devil)” amassed over 200K streams, paving the way for sold-out UK & Ireland tours in winter 2023 and summer 2024, promoting their anthemic singles “Love on Fire” and “Treat Her Like a Rose.” Their recent standout performance at Maid of Stone Festival left an indelible mark on fans and critics alike, solidifying their reputation as a formidable live act.

This year marks another milestone for Brake Loose as they secure digital distribution support from Symphonic Distribution, a major step forward for the band. Their highly anticipated debut EP, ‘Frenetic’, recorded at Oblivion Studios in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Ireland, is set for release on 30th May 2025, with a full-length debut album to follow later in the year. The EP was recorded, mixed, mastered, and produced by acclaimed Bulgarian producer and sound engineer Yanko Genov.

“The likes of ‘Brake Loose who played the smaller ‘Firestarter Stage’ were specially a high point! Enigmatic frontman Alex Murillo was a formidable force as he strutted around the stage. Their music was seriously catchy and despite their early stage time, they went down a storm.” – Total Rock

A potent fusion of Rock ‘n’ Roll with earworms by the truck load; ‘Frenetic’ is an uncompromising sonic beast that’s fueled by blistering riffs, groove-heavy rhythms, and melodies designed to ignite the senses. This is quality rock with an unrelenting pulse, a swagger-laden intensity, and hooks so massive they grab you by the collar and pull you in. It’s the kind of music that makes you move—whether it’s tapping your foot, banging your head, or throwing your arms in the air.

‘Frenetic’ revels in the thrill of living in the moment, the weight of consequence, and the delicate balance between freedom and caution. There’s no let-up across the board—every track pushes the limits, gripping the throttle while shifting gears that keep the listener on edge. ‘Dancing on the Red Line‘ sets the tone with its 80s-infused energy, a sharp reminder that life moves fast, and we should savour the good times while they last. ‘Treat Her Like A Rose‘ dissects love’s contradictions—the passion that draws us in and the self-destruction that can follow if we’re not careful.

‘Love On Fire‘ delves into the complexity of relationships, exploring how time strips away illusions, revealing love in all its raw intensity—never as simple as it seems. ‘Kiss Me Bye Bye‘ weaves mythology into a reflection on change and self-acceptance, a reminder that transformation—whether emotional or personal—is rarely easy but always inevitable. ‘Rebel ‘Rebel (Evil Like The Devil)‘ closes the EP with a bold declaration of individuality, urging us to authentically embrace who we are without being consumed by the white noise of the digital world.

Troubadour Murillo describes the band’s sound as “frenetic”—an untamed, high-energy force that thrives on chaos and passion. “Some say we’re energetic rock pop, others say we’re proper live Rock ‘n’ Roll. We say we’re four unique mad cats with a lust for life—and in fairness, you’ve got to be a bit mad to do what we do!”

Much like their new EP ‘Frenetic’, Brake Loose embody the very essence of the EPs’ title: wild, fast, and untamed. They’re an unstoppable, groove adrenaline-fuelled force, hellbent on tearing up stages, igniting hearts, taking names and leading the charge to etch their name into rock ‘n’ roll history.

Brake Loose are:

Alex Murillo – Vocals & Songwriter | David O’Grady – Guitars & Songwriter | Juanjo Pulpeiro – Bass Guitar | Nando Alonso – Drums